Top 5 things you need to know about the new Tata Harrier

Tata Motors had revealed their all-new SUV, codenamed the H5X, at the Auto Expo 2018. It has been almost six months since the reveal and Tata has announced that it will go into production in the first quarter of 2019. While very little information about the Harrier has been revealed by the manufacturer, here are the top five things about the SUV that we think you should know.

1. Design

The Harrier continues employing the Impact 2.0 design language that debuted with the Tata Tiago. While the Nexon is a little bit rounded, the Harrier is expected to have sharper lines as seen in the H5X concept. The high bonnet and the slightly sloping roof-line will be the characteristic features of the Harrier along with the elongated tail lamps. The profile gets flared wheel arches and expect the wheels to be no smaller than 18 inches, giving it the tall stance.

2. Platform

Finally, after almost a decade since Tata acquired Jaguar and Land Rover, Indians will be able to lay their hands on a Tata SUV with Land Rover derived underpinnings. The OMEGA (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced) platform which spawns the Harrier has been derived from the Land Rover D8 platform which underpins the Discovery Sport. As we all know, this platform is highly capable both on and off-road.

3. Cabin and features

Well, almost zero information about the Harrier’s interior is out and all we can do is guess. Because this is the first OMEGA vehicle, we have no past references as well. But an informed guess would be a cabin that would take elements from the latest Nexon as well as the Tata Hexa. We think an all-black interior theme would look good, especially knowing Tata’s expertise in eking out cabin space.

In terms of features, automatic climate control, electric seats and mirrors, cruise control, touch-screen infotainment etc. will be offered with the Harrier and we might also see the debut of a sunroof on a Tata car with it.

4. Engine and gearbox

It is almost certain that the Tata Harrier will be powered by the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine from Fiat that also powers the Jeep Compass. While it makes over 170bhp of power in the Compass, we think Tata might offer a slightly detuned version if it pits itself against the likes of the Hyundai Creta. Along with a six-speed manual gearbox, Tata will certainly offer an automatic option to cater to the increasing popularity of the two-pedal setup in the subcontinent.

5. Price and positioning

Finally, the money part. While a whole lot of us expect the Tata Harrier to be a Creta competitor, there are a few chances that it might not turn out that way. And that is primarily because of the platform which will certainly be expensive to start with. Also, the 2.0-litre Multijet has its own cost which might make it difficult for Tata to have a go at the Creta right away. But then, economies of scale might tilt the scales in our favour. In the other case, the Harrier might be positioned as the Jeep Compass rival, an efficient and capable SUV for those who are looking at something better than the Creta but not very expensive like the Tucson.