Auto car: Seven-seat Tata Harrier likely to debut at 2020 Auto Expo

Tata’s new Harrier SUV is one of the most awaited launches of 2019. The SUV, which had debuted in concept form as the H5X at the 2018 Auto Expo, is Tata’s five-seat rival to the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur, along with upcoming models like the Nissan Kicks and the production-spec Kia SP SUV. The carmaker has been teasing exterior and interior details of the Harrier in the run up to its launch, which is expected in mid-January 2019.

While it was known earlier that Tata would offer the SUV in five-seat and seven-seat configurations, with the five-seat version to arrive first, more information about the seven-seat model has come to light. Tata is likely to officially reveal the seven-seat Harrier at the 2020 Auto Expo. As the five-seat and seven-seat models are both based on Land Rover’s D8 platform (that underpins models like the Discovery Sport), space for more passengers should be more than adequate. Whether the seven-seat model will be longer than the standard Harrier to accommodate the seven-seat layout is still unknown, however, both models are expected to carry the same design.

As we had revealed earlier, the seven-seat SUV will carry a different name in order to differentiate it from the five-seater. The former is also likely to be powered by a more powerful version of the Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre motor.

When it arrives, the Harrier will come with a BS-IV-complaint, 2.0-litre engine making 140hp that Tata calls Kryotec. When the seven-seat variant makes its debut, it will have a more powerful engine, which will churn out around 170hp. This motor will be BS-VI-compliant and will also make its way to the five-seater model around the same time. Sources suggest that the BS-VI engine could even make more than 170hp when it is introduced.

Transmission options for the seven-seat Harrier include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic.

As the five-seat Harrier is estimated to carry an on-road price tag between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 21 lakh, expect the seven-seat SUV to come at a slight premium.

Also see:

Tata Harrier to get 8.8-inch infotainment system

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2019 Tata Harrier: A close look

Tata Harrier: 5 things to know