It’s no secret that Tata Motors are planning to launch the Harrier mid-size SUV in first half of next-year (January-March 2019). The Harrier is expected to see its production start by the end of 2018, and will roll-off the same production line which was once used for the Tata Indica that was discontinued in May this-year.
Tata Harrier will be the first production model sculpted with new IMPACT Design 2.0 design language.
The Harrier will be based on the H5X concept showcased by Tata Motors during the 2018 Auto Expo. It is expected to be launched in two versions, namely a 5-seater and a 7-seater. Pratap Bose, Head of Design, Tata Motors, has said “80-85% of the concept’s exterior design is going into production”.
The Harrier will be positioned on the D8 platform seen on various Jaguar and Land Rover models here. Tata calls it the OMEGA-ARC (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced Architecture), which will help in reducing costs of the car. When launched, the Harrier will be positioned as a feature-packed mid-size SUV.
The upcoming Harrier is first product on the Omega platform (which has its roots in Land Rover’s D8 platform).
Engine-wise, the Harrier will be powered by a 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine sourced from Fiat. This engine is capable of delivering 140 BHP of power and 320 Nm of torque. It will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with automatic being offered as an option, sourced from Hyundai. A new 4WD system is believed to be developed especially for this model, but we expect most variants to come with a front-wheel drivetrain.
Prices are expected to start from Rs. 12 lakh and go all the way to Rs. 18 lakh. The Tata Harrier will rival the likes of the Jeep Compass Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and the upcoming Nissan Kicks, Suzuki Vitara and the MG Motor ZS. Its 7-seat version is likely to launch in the second half of 2019 with a premium of around Rs. 2 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Motors has clarified bookings for its much-awaited SUV are not open yet; launch scheduled for early-2019.
Recently an image surfaced online with an invoice showing the booking amount of Rs 50,000 paid for the upcoming Harrier at an authorised Tata dealer. However, clarifying on the same a statement from Tata Motors, said;
“There is a lot of excitement for the Tata Harrier. We have learnt of this incident. The dealer was compelled to take the booking due to the customer insisting on the same, to be among the first owners of the Tata Harrier. We thank our customers for their trust in the brand and we wish to assure them that the Tata Harrier will arrive in India, early in 2019. TML will publicise widely when we officially open bookings for the Harrier. The Company has directed the dealer to refund the entire amount to the customer as the official booking for the Tata Harrier has not yet commenced.”
To read more on Tata Harrier, Click here
Also see: Tata Harrier – Tata H5X car gets a name, November-2018 debut
Image Credit: IndianAutosBlog
