Tata to Update Harrier for Taking on MG Hector, Kia Seltos; Details

Tata created quite a buzz in the market when they launched their Harrier compact SUV early this year. However, lately with the launch of MG Hector and the upcoming Kia Seltos, Harrier has faced renewed rivalry and will surely face tough times in the near future. Therefore, pre-empting the rivalry, Tata has decided to update their Harrier SUV in the market. The updated version of the model will be released around an year after it was launched in the market, around the early months of next year. This update will also be aimed at making the SUV comply with upcoming BS-VI emission norms that are set to be enforced come April 1, 2020. The updated version has also been spotted testing in India. Therefore, let’s take a look as to what the latest update will bring to the Harrier SUV.

Feature Update

The first and foremost on this list has to be features. Yes, the recent onset of rivals like the MG Hector and Kia Seltos has seen the Tata SU pale in comparison to the plethora of features that these new SUVs have to offer. Therefore, in order to up the feature quotient of the Harrier, the company will certainly add a sunroof to the Harrier. Contrary to the absence of utility of the sunroof in Indian conditions, the public seems to have a penchant for cars with sunroof, and Harrier is expected to serve the same. There may be other feature additions as well but an electric sunroof is almost certain.

Power and More

The BS-VI update for the Harrier will also mean that the current 2L KRYOTEC diesel engine of the SUV will receive a power bump. This power bump will take the output of the engine to 173 PS and 350 Nm. This output is similar to the one offered by Jeep Compass and MG Hector that also happen to some with same engines in the market. The BS-VI update will not only bring more power to the Harrier, but it will also bring better refinement levels and an increased overall mileage.

Automatic variant

The engine on Tata SUV currently comes equipped only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 6-speed torque converter unit sourced from Hyundai will be offered sometime this year as well. Tata is also expected to bring out a 7-seater version of the Harrier by the name of Cassini in the Indian market in the coming months. This combination is expected to be seen on the Cassini as well.

Petrol power!

It was at the Geneva Motor Show that the maker had confirmed that they are working on bringing a petrol version of Harrier to India with a 1.6L engine. The power output is expected to be in the range of 150 Bhp. There are also rumours that the petrol version of Harrier will come with a dual clutch automatic gearbox at later stages.