Tata Motors took the wraps off the Harrier-based 7-seater SUV, called the Tata Buzzard, at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The new model, which is currently in a pre-production form, will be positioned above both Harrier and Hexa when it finally makes it to the market this year. Here are as many as 10 things you should know about the Indian auto giant's latest SUV -
Tata Buzzard - 10 Things To Know
63 mm longer and 80 mm taller than the Harrier
The Tata Buzzard shares its wheelbase and width with the Harrier of 2,741 mm and 1,894 mm respectively. That said, at 4,661 mm, the 7-seater model is about 63 mm longer in length. Moreover, the new model is 80 mm taller than its 5-seater sibling. Other than a roomier cabin, the additional height and length even result in a more imposing stance.
More Powerful Engine
The Tata Buzzard shares its OMEGA platform with the Harrier and even gets a 2.0-litre Kryotec engine, albeit, in an updated state of tune. While the Fiat-sourced motor outputs 138 bhp and 350 Nm on the Harrier, it will offer a maximum power of 170 bhp to propel the Buzzard. The bump in power will compensate for the additional weight of the 7-seater model. The updated motor will carry 'Kryotec170' branding.
New Colours
While the Tata Buzzard shares aplenty with the Harrier, the company will do enough to help both the models have clearly distinct identities. Other than the revised posterior and a more substantial side profile, the Buzzard will benefit from new colour options, one of which could be the shade of blue that draped the Geneva Edition model.
Updated rear-end
The Tata Buzzard looks precisely like the Harrier till the C-pillar, after which it features a longer overhang that results into an increased overall length. The new model not only features a bigger rear quarter glass but even gets reworked wrap-around tail lamps, a new bumper, a new boot lid, and a larger rear windscreen.
AWD with independent rear suspension
It is being said that Tata Motors is contemplating an AWD option on the Harrier. The company seems to have realised there is a sufficient number of existing 4x4-equipped Safari or Hexa customers that would want to switch to the Harrier or the Buzzard in case the new offerings are offered with AWD. To further enhance the go-anywhere-capabilities of its new SUVs, the company will equip both the models with independent rear suspension.
Will have sunroof
Other than offering an AWD system, the company is thinking of providing the customers of the Harrier and the Buzzard with an optional glass roof. While equipping the two SUVs with a panoramic or even a smaller electric-sliding sunroof would result in a steep increment in price, the fixed glass roof can lead to enhanced aesthetics without resulting in a substantial increase in the price.
No rotary gear selector or EPB
Days before the official unveiling of the Tata Buzzard, an alleged teaser image of the Tata Buzzard hinted at the availability of a rotary gear selector knob and an electronic parking brake. However, the show car at Geneva revealed that the new model shares most of its interior panels with the Harrier and features the same transmission lever and aircraft-inspired parking brake.
Will get a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission
While the Tata Harrier is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, the transmission options for the new model will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic unit. The latter will also make it to the 5-seater sibling.
Launch by December 2019
The Tata Buzzard showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show is in a pre-production 'Geneva Edition' format. The production model should be mostly similar and will launch a few months after the Altroz.
Also Read - Tata H2X concept unveiled at 2019 Geneva Motor Show
Starting price of INR 15 lakh
Going by the Harrier's aggressive pricing, we safely expect the Tata Buzzard to be launched at a pretty lucrative price point. We guess that the new model could cost up to INR 1 lakh more than the Harrier, which is currently available in a price bracket of INR 12.69 - 16.25 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This would result in an 'on-road' base price of roughly INR 15 lakh.
