Just days prior to debuting it at the 2020 Auto Expo, Tata Motors has commenced bookings for the BS6-compliant Harrier at authorised dealerships and also on the official website for a token amount of Rs 30,000. The automaker has used the opportunity of the shift to cleaner emission norms to introduce a host of updates to the midsize SUV, and has also officially detailed the complete list of improvements on the model.
First up, power output of the 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine has been bumped up from 140hp in BS4 spec to a healthy 170hp in the BS6 spec. While a 6-speed manual gearbox will continue as standard, the void of an automatic option in the Harrier range has been filled by a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque converter unit in the mid-spec XMA, high-spec XZA, and a new range-topping XZA+ variant.
Tata has added a new ‘Calypso Red’ paint shade to the available colour palette and redesigned the wing mirrors for better visibility. On the safety front, electronic stability program (ESP), which was earlier available only on the top-spec XZ, is now a standard offering across the range. Other standard safety features continue to include dual airbags, ABS and EBD, with the more expensive trims also getting four more airbags, traction control, along with hill start and descent control.
The Harrier variant line-up has been expanded with new top-of-the-line XZ+/XZA+ trims that gain some highly awaited features, including a panoramic sunroof, 6-way adjustable powered driver’s seat, auto-dimming interior rear view mirror, and two-tone, diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels.
Underpinned by the OMEGARC platform derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture, the Tata Harrier goes up against the likes of the MG Hector, upcoming second-gen Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Captur and the Nissan Kicks in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. The Harrier will soon be joined by a slightly larger, 7-seat iteration called the Tata Gravitas, which too will be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
