The new Tata Safari and Harrier models were launched in India last week. The two SUVs get significant design changes across the board but retain the powertrain of their outgoing models. Safari and Harrier have been two of the most popular diesel-powered SUVs in India for years. Recent reports suggest that Tata Motors is currently working on a petrol powertrain for the two SUVs.
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Tata Safari and Harrier: What to expect from the petrol variants?
Currently, Tata Safari and Harrier are powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that can produce a maximum power output of 170hp and 350Nm of torque. This engine can be mated to a manual or automatic transmission. The SUVs also get 3 terrain modes (Normal, Rough, Wet) and 3 driving modes (Eco, City, Sport).
The automaker is currently developing a 1.5-litre GDI petrol engine for the two SUVs. This revelation came from Shailesh Chandra, who is the Managing Director of Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles wing. The automaker believes that the option of a petrol engine will boost the sales of Tata Safari and Harrier in a division that is dominated by diesel-powered SUVs. Currently, petrol SUVs only contribute to 20% of the sales. Tata Motors believes that it will be able to price the petrol variants of the two SUVs aggressively.
In terms of features, the new Tata Safari and Harrier facelifts get two size options for the touchscreen infotainment system – 10.25-inch and 12.3-inch. There is also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster onboard. Other features include a 10-speaker JBL sound system, paddle shifters, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and an ADAS package. The two SUVs feature a new flat-bottomed, four-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo at the centre.
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Conclusion
There has been no mention of the release timeline for petrol variants of Tata Safari and Harrier. The automaker believes that the launch is still pretty far away. We wouldn’t be surprised if the SUVs are revealed in 2024. Prices for the diesel variants of Tata Safari start at Rs 16.19 lakh. Meanwhile, the Harrier range starts at Rs 15.49 lakh.
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