Tata Harrier Petrol Variant Spotted – Will Petrol Power Come Now?

India annually witnesses the swift growth of the SUV market. Being in India, going with Tata Harrier SUV, with its imposing road presence, weighty construction, and a truly well-appointed cabin, created a great deal of discussion immediately after its inauguration in 2019. Recently, the test mule of the Tata Harrier was sighted testing on Indian roads, which instantly set off rumors that it might be the much-awaited diesel variant of the Harrier.

Why is a Petrol Harrier Necessary?

The Tata Harrier has only been offered with diesel engines thus far. However, Tata has frequently been asked to provide a gasoline version by consumers and auto experts. This is because of:

• Petrol engines are less expensive.
• Many restrictions on diesel vehicles due to BS6 and BS6.2 norms.
• Petrol engine is more convenient for daily users in the city.
• An important step before EV transition – moving towards low emission and lighter vehicles.

What Aas Seen During Testing?

The test model spotted had camouflage bodywork, so the full changes were not clearly visible. But minor changes to the silencer unit, a new design of the exhaust system and less noise from the engine suggested that it could be a petrol or hybrid engine and not a diesel.

• Some important pointers:
• Less sound in the exhaust – Petrol engines are less noisy than diesels.
• No black smoke during testing – which is normal in diesels.
• The engine compartment appeared to have a slightly different design.

Expected Engine Specifications:

Tata displayed the 1.2L and 1.5L turbo petrol engines at the 2023 Auto Expo. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is thought to be selected for the Harrier, for which the proposed specs are: 

Specification	Details
Engine Type	1.5L TGDi Turbo Petrol
Power	160–170 PS
Torque	250–270 Nm
Transmission	6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic

Mileage and Performance:

The petrol Harrier is likely to return mileage figures in the range of 12-14 km/l, with the diesel returning about 16-18 km/l. Its smooth acceleration and torque response, however, may make it more comfortable in city traffic. Even novice users will find the petrol engine’s linear power delivery to be pleasant.

Design and Exterior:

There are not many changes seen in the camouflaged model, but it is expected that some cosmetic touches can be given to differentiate the petrol variant:

• New grille design
• Redesigned front bumper
• Sleeker LED headlights
• New alloy wheels

There are less chances of changes in the interior, but the infotainment system could be further upgraded. Also, Tata’s ADAS technology and 360 degree camera feature could also be improved.

Technical Features:

The Tata Harrier is known for its features and the petrol variant is also expected to get all the premium features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital instrument cluster
• ADAS Level 2
• 6-7 airbags
• 360 degree camera
• Ventilated seats
• JBL audio system

Expected Price:

The Harrier’s diesel model costs ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The top model can cost around ₹20 lakh, while the base variant can start at ₹14 lakh. This is because the petrol engine can be priced ₹1–1.5 lakh less than this. Because of this, more people will be able to own this SUV.

Launch Timeline:

There is no official confirmation from Tata Motors yet, but according to reports, this petrol Harrier can be launched in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. The company can launch it in the market by the upcoming festive season.

Potential competition in the market:

The petrol Harrier will compete directly with the following vehicles:

• Hyundai Creta 1.5 Turbo
• Kia Seltos GT Line
• MG Hector Petrol
• Mahindra XUV700 Petrol
• Jeep Compass Petrol (if re-introduced)
• Mild hybrid variants of Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara

Compared to all these vehicles, the Harrier’s styling, build quality and safety score make it stand out.

Customer Feedback:

There is excitement about this spotting on auto forums and social media. Many customers who liked the Harrier but were put off by the diesel engine are now eagerly waiting for this variant. Especially for young and urban customers who travel in traffic every day, this can be a great option.

Conclusion:

The petrol variant of Tata Harrier will not only add a new chapter to the company’s strategy but will also create a new competition in the SUV segment. As the demand for petrol and hybrid engines is increasing, this move by Tata will give customers a new option – an SUV that will be a perfect combination of power, style and performance.

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