Tata Harrier Petrol Variant Spied Testing Ahead Of Launch: Spy Pics & Details

The spy images from Rushlane, showcase the Harrier SUV to be completely uncamouflaged and using an emission testing equipment. With the BS6 diesel and automatic ready to launch in the market, the company is looking to introduce a petrol variant of their flagship SUV.

Tata Motors currently do not have a bigger capacity petrol engine to power their SUVs in its line-up. The biggest petrol engine they have is the one powering the Nexon SUV. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder ‘Revotron' engine produces 119bhp and 170Nm of torque. Although these specs are enough, it will offer minimal performance when fitted to their Harrier or Hexa models.

However, to overcome this lack of power Tata Motors is expected to develop an all-new four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine. It would produce around 150bhp and 250Nm of torque, which would be enough to power Tata's SUV line-up. Apart from the engine, all other equipment and features are expected to remain the same and carried from its diesel variant.

With the upcoming BS6 emission norms, sales of diesel vehicles have seen a decline. Although the demand for diesel vehicles is present, we can see buyers in segment opting for a petrol powertrain, instead. Tata Nexon is a classic example of this as the compact SUV's 70 per cent sales come from its petrol variants. Tata Harrier's segment rival the MG Hector sales report showcases the SUV's petrol variant to constitute over 50% of the sales.

The Harrier SUV has been registering an average monthly sales figure of about 700 units. With the launch of a new 1.5-litre petrol engine in the Harrier SUV, Tata Motors aims to sell more targeting a wider audience. We also expect the same engine to power the soon-to-be-launched Gravitas 7-seater SUV.

The Tata Harrier petrol variant will compete over the MG Hector petrol featuring a 1.5-litre unit, the Jeep Compass powered by 1.4-litre petrol, and the upcoming next-generation Mahindra XUV500 which will feature a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit. The upcoming Harrier petrol variant is expected to be priced aggressively by Tata Motors to gain an advantage in the competitive segment.

Thought About The Harrier Petrol Variant Spied

Tata Motors is leaving no stone unturned with their flagship SUV. The company is gearing up to give their Harrier SUV an advantage over its petrol variant rivals already present in the segment. We wait for two things now, how aggressively will the Tata price the Harrier petrol? And will the bigger engine eventually make its way into their Nexon to offer a performance version of their compact-SUV? In time we will know.