Tata Harrier

Tata Motors’ most premium SUV is set to give the brand’s image a further boost.

- Abhay Verma

Type 1956cc, in-line four cylinder diesel

Max power 140PS@3,750rpm

Max torque 350Nm@ 1,750-2500rpm

Price 13-18 lakh ex-showroom (estimated)

Transmission 6-speed manual

OD RatingStyling, equipment list, dynamics Quality of plastics, uneven panel gaps

LxWxH(mm) 4,598x1,894x1,706

Less than a year since it broke cover as the H5X concept, it’s time for the Tata Harrier to enter the premium-compact SUV ring. But the Harrier is a lot more than just an all-new SUV. It is Tata Motors’ first product to be co-developed with Land Rover, which has caused a lot of anticipation – among prospective buyers and other manufacturers too. It is also Tata Motor’s most premium offering yet, and the carmaker has been providing bits of information about the Harrier via a steady drip feed over the past few months. We got a chance to drive the SUV on the arrow straight highways of Rajasthan, and the findings are interesting.

A quantum leap?

The Harrier is expected to bring a whole new set of buyers to Tata Motors’ showrooms. It is based on Tata’s Omegarc platform, derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture that underpins the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Neat! The platform has of course been tweaked for India. The front suspension has been borrowed from the Discovery Sport, while the rear has been tuned by Lotus. Sounds interesting?

The design