The Tata Harrier is about to become the new flagship offering from Tata Motors. Here is everything you need know about the company's most advanced production model ever.
Launch Timeline
After a surprise digital reveal of the exterior of the Tata Harrier, the company will hold its media preview in early December this year. Subsequently, its market launch will take place in January next year. Production of the Tata Harrier is underway on a newly setup manufacturing line at the company's Pune facility. As per the company, it's making use of the best production practices that have been adopted from Jaguar Land Rover. Furthermore, the production line for the new SUV boasts 90% automation levels, with more than 100 KUKA and ABB robots on duty.
Design
The Tata Harrier is the first-ever production model to follow the carmaker's IMPACT 2.0 language. As promised by Pratap Bose, Design Head, Tata Motors, its design has remained close to the Tata H5X concept. The highlight of the new model is its radical front-end, which features a multi-level light setup, with sleek DRLs at the hood level and the headlights below them, and a Tri-Arrow pattern. The side profile is all about a rising beltline and taut surfaces. At the rear, there are JLR-inspired sleek LED taillamps.
7-seat version
Platform
The Tata Harrier is underpinned by the manufacturer's Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced (OMEGA ARC) platform. This architecture has been derived from Land Rover's robust D8 platform that underpins the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque. The company has replaced several aluminium parts of the tried-and-tested world-class platform with steel components in favour of cost-effectiveness.
Engine
The Tata Harrier will be powered by the 2.0-litre Multijet II turbocharged diesel motor from FCA's stable. The oil-burner outputs a maximum power of 140 PS along with a peak torque of 350 Nm. The engine is being marketed under the 'Kryotec' brand, a name which has been inspired from Kryptonite, a rare mineral in the science fiction world that is powerful enough to deprive the Superman of his powers. The 7-seat version following later in 2019 will sport the 170 PS version of the same engine, and interestingly, this unit will make it to the 5-seat version as an option later.
Transmissions
Equipped with the FCA-sourced 2.0-litre Multijet II motor, the new model will be sold with only a 6-speed manual transmission at launch. A 6-speed automatic transmission made by Hyundai is planned for a later launch. It will debut in the 7-seat version, and then it will become available in the 5-seat version.
Competition
Tata Motors is expected to price its flagship competitively, possibly in the price bracket of INR 13 lakh to 18 lakh (ex-showroom). This will put it at loggerheads with the high-end trims of the Hyundai Creta and the entry- and/or mid-level versions of the Jeep Compass. Also, it will rival the Mahindra XUV500 on the price front.
Digital Configurator
The customers of the Tata Harrier will benefit from a digital configurator that will allow them to choose the transmission, accessories and other options for their desired configuration. This feature will be available as a mobile application on iOS, Android and Windows platforms. Rajendra Petkar, chief technology officer, Tata Motors, has said that this digital configurator will be a "big step-up from offering customisation."
A few months down the line, the Tata Harrier will spawn out a 7-seat version that will be sold under a different marque. The 7-seat SUV is currently known as the H7X (codename) and will offer a slightly larger cabin and a more powerful version of the 5-seat version's engine.
Interior Details
While the Tata Harrier retains much of the exterior design previewed by the H5X concept, its interior won't have the button-less design seen on the show car. Exclusive spy images by Indianautosblog.com have revealed that the new model's instrument console will have monochrome lighting. While its steering wheel will be similar to the small diameter unit found on the recent models in Tata Motors' stable, it will have a revised design for the centre-pad. Furthermore, unlike the rotary headlamp controls of the Hexa, the new flagship SUV will feature the light controls on its indicator stalk. The range-topping configuration will feature a large touchscreen infotainment system that will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Super Drive modes & Drivetrain layout
The Tata Harrier will offer Super Drive Modes to enable its users to toggle between four drive modes - Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road. These driving modes will work in conjunction with the vehicle's ESP system. Power will go solely to the front wheels, as an AWD system is not planned for the new five-seater monocoque SUV.
