If there’s a model that repeatedly ‘broke the internet’ in 2018, it was the Tata Harrier. Right from the time the SUV was revealed as the H5X concept at the 2018 Auto Expo, there was unrelenting curiosity about what is Tata’s most ambitious SUV to date. And the interest only piqued when the final product’s pricing was announced in early 2019. Priced between Rs 12.69 and 16.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi),the near-4.6m-long SUV has single-handedly thrown established pricing structures out of whack. See it as a larger-than-average mid-segment SUV or an exceedingly well-priced premium one, if there’s one common thread, it’s that the Harrier is big on value.
The Harrier is also a landmark product, being the first model built on Tata’s new OMEGA Arc platform that’s derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform. In fact, the Harrier is the first new Tata built with subsidiary Land Rover’s know-how from the get go. In the pipeline is an automatic-transmission-equipped version, a higher-powered and BS-VI emission norms-compliant diesel that will come by April next year, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol is in development and an all-wheel drive option is an outside possibility as well. Come 2020, a larger seven-seat version, previewed by the Buzzard concept earlier this year, will also go on sale. For the moment, however, there’s only one version – a 140hp diesel with a 6-speed manual – on sale and that’s the one that’ll be under the scanner in this test.
The Tata Harrier has robust underpinnings and you can feel as much when you drive over broken roads. The combination of a long travel suspension and chunky 65 profile tyres that absorb much of the initial shock make light work of the largest of potholes. There’s little road shock at the steering too and the overall sensation is of being in a vehicle that’s built to take a beating. What’s more, the Harrier doesn’t feel out of place in the rough either. There’s more than ample ground clearance and, so long as you don’t get too adventurous in tricky terrain (it is front-wheel drive only after all), the Tata will not disappoint. Top-spec versions get hill descent control and there’s also the much publicised three-mode Terrain Response system that alters ESP settings on the Harrier. The latter system seemingly does its work covertly because we didn’t notice much of a difference at the wheel between Normal, Rough and Wet modes.
The Harrier also makes for a good high-speed cruiser. It feels confident at triple-digit speeds and, again, the excellent bump absorption plays its part in taking the edge out of poorly paved patches. There’s a good enough feeling of connect at the steering wheel too, but the way it weights up is a bit inconsistent and doesn’t feel as precise or fluid as the Compass, which corners with more poise. Also, there’s a bit of whine from the power steering pump at full lock.
Where the Tata doesn’t feel quite as special is in town. The steering requires some effort to twirl and you are always aware you are piloting a big car. A Hyundai Creta simply feels much more manageable in city confines, for instance. Not helping matters is the fact that rear visibility on the Harrier isn’t the best and what makes life particularly tough are the massive blind spots created by the elephant ear-sized outside mirrors. Also, at low speeds, the suspension can’t completely smoothen out surface imperfections. There’s a degree of lumpiness to the ride (more so on concrete surfaces), and the movements are far more pronounced at the back.
The Harrier fared quite well in our braking tests, coming to a halt from 80kph in 27.83 metres. Braking force is strong and there’s good grip too, though more feel at the pedal and a sharper bite would be welcome. Tata should consider upgrading the brakes with the rear discs in the future.
While middle-spec Harriers feature 7.0-inch touchscreen units, the top-spec XZ gets a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system. The latter is the smoothest unit we’ve seen from Tata yet but it’s still not the slickest in the business. Android Auto is standard (Apple CarPlay comes soon), and what’s nice is that the screen also lets you access the car’s functions when the smartphone interface is on. However, with connectivity being the buzzword now, Tata will need to upgrade the system soon. The Harrier XZ’s JBL sound system comprises four speakers, four tweeters and even a subwoofer. Sound quality is good, not exceptional.
With its Land Rover-derived platform and Fiat-sourced engine wrapped in a confident and new-age Tata design, the Harrier promises the best of all worlds. And for the most part, it delivers. The striking look will be the hook for many but the Harrier’s positives extend to its spacious cabin, tough build and excellent high-speed ride.
There are a fair few ergonomic guffaws, long-term reliability is unproven as yet and, at few places, the Harrier feels rough around the edges too. The absence of all-wheel drive will be missed by only a handful of off-roaders but the lack of an automatic will be a deal breaker for many and should have been an option right from launch. Still, see what you get for the price and it’s hard not to feel you are getting more than your money’s worth.
Tata’s reinvention started with the Tiago and Hexa. And just like the Nexon did two years ago, the Harrier takes the process into a higher gear.
from Autocar India http://bit.ly/2WsqfRF
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