Tata Sierra among new launches to get 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine

While Tata Motors’ 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine has been delayed to the market – it was showcased at Auto Expo 2023 – the Indian brand has already begun work on a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit. This new engine is going to see duty in a number of upcoming models, from the Tata Sierra to a new compact SUV.

1. 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol delayed as Tata wants to get it right
2. 1.5 NA engine will help the Tata Sierra be competitively priced

New Tata petrol engine line-up

Tata to have five petrol engines across its model range.

Tata currently has three petrol engines across its model line-up – a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) unit, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.2-litre direct-injection turbocharged mill. Sources tell us that the introduction of the 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine has been delayed as wants to get it right. This 4-cylinder engine will be offered on the Harrier, Safari and the upcoming Sierra, in various states of tune, depending on the model and variant. With the introduction of the 1.5-litre NA engine, Tata will have a total of five petrol units across its model line-up.

Entry-level Tata Sierra expected to be equipped with the new 1.5 NA petrol engine.

The new naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine, likely a derivative of the direct-injection turbo unit, is expected to be used on entry-level Sierra variants, providing buyers with an aggressive starting price and the same options as Korean rivals. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are on sale with 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol and 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options. The Grand Vitara also comes with a 103hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine on entry-level variants.

Higher petrol variants of the Sierra will be powered by the 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged unit seen at Auto Expo 2023. At the motor show, the engine on display was said to produce 170hp and 280Nm, though a different state of tune may be offered on the Sierra.

With inputs from Ketan Thakkar