Tata Motors has significantly broadened the appeal of its flagship SUVs, the Harrier and the Safari, by introducing a much-anticipated turbo-petrol engine option. This strategic move directly addresses the growing consumer preference for petrol-powered SUVs in the Indian market.
A New Heart for the Flagships: The 1.5-Litre Turbo-Petrol
The centrepiece of this update is the introduction of the 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine. This power unit, which recently debuted in the Tata Sierra concept, now finds a home in the larger SUVs, albeit in a different state of tune. For the Harrier and Safari, this engine is calibrated to produce a healthy 170 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque.
This addition finally provides an alternative to the existing diesel engine, catering to a segment of buyers who specifically seek petrol propulsion for their daily drives or due to regional fuel preferences. The expansion of the powertrain portfolio is a direct response to the sustained growth in demand for petrol SUVs across India.
Major Feature Upgrades and Tech Infusion
Alongside the new engine, Tata Motors has rolled out a substantial suite of feature enhancements across the Harrier and Safari range. The most visually striking upgrade is the new 14.5-inch Samsung QLED infotainment touchscreen, which becomes the centrepiece of the dashboard.
This advanced system is paired with Dolby Atmos sound tuning and a 10-speaker JBL audio system for an immersive in-car experience. Notably, the infotainment system supports Tata's Arcade App Suite and comes with integrated navigation that functions reliably even in areas with poor or no network connectivity.
Several innovations first seen on the Harrier EV concept have been transferred to these internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The new additions include:
- A digital interior rear-view mirror with a built-in dash camera.
- Front and rear camera washers as part of the 360-degree camera system.
- Memory function for the outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs).
- A sliding front centre armrest for added comfort.
Design and Variant Strategy Remain Unchanged
Visually, the new petrol variants are indistinguishable from their diesel siblings. Tata Motors has not made any exterior or interior styling changes to differentiate between the fuel types. The company is also maintaining a consistent variant structure, allowing customers to choose their preferred trim level irrespective of the engine selected.
The Tata Harrier petrol is offered in a wide array of trims: Smart, Pure X, Pure X Dark, Adventure, Adventure X Dark, Fearless X, and Fearless X Dark.
The Tata Safari petrol, with its three-row seating, follows a similar approach with an extensive list: Smart, Pure, Pure X Dark, Adventure X+, Adventure X+ Dark, Accomplished X, Accomplished X+, Accomplished X+ Dark, Accomplished X Stealth, Accomplished X Ultra, and Accomplished X Red Dark.
This launch marks a pivotal moment for Tata Motors, making its premium SUV duo more versatile and competitive than ever. By combining a new petrol powertrain with cutting-edge technology borrowed from its electric concepts, Tata is squarely targeting the heart of the booming petrol SUV segment in India.
