If you're an off-road enthusiast and have been waiting for the launch of the Tata Harrier, we have some bad news for you - Tata's new SUV will not be offered with all-wheel drive, at least not in the near future.
As you may know, the Tata Harrier is based on Land Rover's L550 platform, and will be powered by a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine. It’s learned that packaging the Fiat engine for an all-wheel drive setup in the Land Rover platform would require major re-engineering – specifically, modifying the position of the propeller shaft. Given the high costs involved with making such a change and the low demand for all-wheel drive SUVs in the segment, Tata Motors has no immediate plans to launch an AWD version of the Harrier.
The front-wheel drive Harrier will, however, get a Land Rover-like Terrain Response controller with multiple modes for the ESP system. Tata has also revealed teaser videos of its SUV being tested in tough conditions, so the promise is that the Harrier will, at the very least, be more capable than its fellow front-wheel drive rivals.
However, at some point during the Harrier’s lifecycle, an AWD version could be developed if there is demand for it, especially in export markets. The most likely possibility is a sporty variant of the Harrier, powered by JLR’s 2.0-litre Ingenium engines, in which case the packaging of the entire powertrain and AWD drive system would not be a problem.
Of the other details we can confirm, the Harrier will get a hydraulic power steering rather than a costlier - if more efficient - electric power steering.
The Tata Harrier will be launched in mid-January 2019, and is expected to cost between Rs 16-21 lakh (on-road).
Also see:
SCOOP! Tata Harrier dimensions revealed
Seven-seat Tata Harrier likely to debut at Auto Expo 2020
Tata Harrier interior teaser out
Tata Harrier to get 8.8-inch infotainment system
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