Tata Harrier and Safari
- Tata Motors plans to introduce a turbo-petrol engine option for the Harrier and Safari in about a year’s time.
- The new engine is a 1.5-litre TGDi 4-cylinder turbo-petrol unit that produces 168 BHP and 280 Nm.
- The petrol engine will be paired with a 6-speed manual and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
- Adding a petrol engine to the mix would allow Tata Motors to offer the Harrier and Safari at a slightly lower price point.
- Rival brands like Mahindra, MG, and Hyundai already offer petrol versions of their mid-size SUVs.
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Tata Motors has made a strategic move by announcing its plans to introduce a turbo-petrol engine option for the updated Harrier and Safari SUVs. This decision reflects a keen understanding of consumer preferences and market dynamics.
With a new 1.5-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine on the horizon, Tata Motors aims to enhance its competitiveness in the mid-size SUV segment, where petrol variants have gained popularity. In this article, we explore the key details of this development, from engine specifications to its potential impact on pricing and competition.
Petrol Engine
- Engine Specifications: The upcoming 1.5-litre TGDi 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from Tata Motors will generate 168 BHP (brake horsepower) and 280 Nm (Newton-meters) of torque. This engine will provide a good balance of power and efficiency.
- Transmission Options: Customers will have a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This variety in transmission options caters to different driving preferences.
- Price Point: The introduction of a petrol engine option is likely to make the Harrier and Safari models more accessible to a wider range of customers by offering them at a slightly lower price point compared to the diesel variants.
- Competition: Tata Motors will be competing with other popular SUV manufacturers like Mahindra, MG, and Hyundai, which already offer petrol versions of their mid-size SUVs. Mahindra has the Scorpio-N and XUV700, MG offers the Hector with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and Hyundai’s Alcazar comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine option. The introduction of a petrol engine will help Tata Motors stay competitive in this segment.
Pros of adding a petrol engine option to the Tata Harrier and Safari
- Lower price point: Petrol engines are typically cheaper to produce than diesel engines, so Tata Motors would be able to offer the Harrier and Safari at a slightly lower price point with a petrol engine option. This would make them more competitive with rival brands like Mahindra, MG, and Hyundai.
- Wider appeal: Petrol engines are more popular than diesel engines in many markets, so adding a petrol engine option would make the Harrier and Safari more appealing to a wider range of buyers.
- Better refinement: Petrol engines are generally smoother and quieter than diesel engines, so a petrol-powered Harrier and Safari would offer a more refined driving experience.
- Lower maintenance costs: Petrol engines are typically cheaper to maintain than diesel engines.
Cons of adding a petrol engine option to the Tata Harrier and Safari
- Lower fuel efficiency: Petrol engines are less fuel-efficient than diesel engines, so a petrol-powered Harrier and Safari would have higher running costs.
- Lower torque: Petrol engines typically produce less torque than diesel engines, so a petrol-powered Harrier and Safari may not be as well-suited for towing or carrying heavy loads.
Conclusion
Tata Motors’ decision to introduce a turbo-petrol engine option for the Harrier and Safari SUVs signifies its commitment to adapting to changing market demands and staying relevant in a highly competitive industry. As rival brands already offer petrol variants of their mid-size SUVs, this move will enable Tata Motors to broaden its customer base and potentially reach a more budget-conscious segment of the market.
The upcoming 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with versatile transmission options, holds promise for delivering both power and efficiency. With this strategic move, Tata Motors is poised to remain a key player in India’s vibrant SUV market, offering consumers more choices and staying at the forefront of innovation in the automotive sector.
