Update - Currently, the price of Harrier starts from Rs 14 lakh and fetch till Rs 20.47 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The SUV rivals Mahindra XUV500, MG Hector and Hyundai Creta.
Most of us will agree with the fact that Tata did mess up things when they first introduced the Harrier BS6 in the Indian market. However, the brand soon realized the shortcomings and launched the updated 2020 BS6 model early this year. The car now is not just powerful and feature-rich but is much more VFM when compared to the outgoing model. With this being said, let us look at Tata Harrier BS6 pros and cons and see where does this SUV stands in the competition.
Pros
1. Exterior Looks and Dimensions
One thing which no one can deny is the fact that the Tata Harrier is one of the best looking cars not just in its segment but in the entire Indian market. The car is huge and there is an ample amount of space inside the cabin. Large dimensions not only give it a great road presence but at the same time give enough space in the interiors to make it a highly practical and comfortable SUV.
2. Engine, Gearbox, and Performance
The 2.0-L, Fiat Sourced diesel engine now produces 170 PS and 350 Nm of peak torque, unlike earlier, when it produced just 140 PS. The brand has also introduced a Hyundai sourced 6-Speed AT. With the addition of the automatic gearbox, the Harrier is now a much better product which has something to offer for everyone. The car not only feels smooth and refined but is extremely powerful and can do a 0-100 kmph run in just under 11 secs!
3. Build Quality
This is one of the parameters in which the Harrier scores the highest in the segment. The quality of the components used in the construction of the car is top-notch and everything feels solid and robust. In short, the Harrier, just like other modern Tata cars, has a tank-like build quality and will definitely pass the safety crash tests with flying colours.
Read Also: MG Hector Vs MG Hector Plus Comparison
4. Feature Rich Cabin with Sunroof
One major problem that everyone had with the Harrier was the lack of features in the cabin, especially the sunroof. However, Tata was quick to address this issue and updated the features list with the BS6 update given to the car. Apart from the large touchscreen infotainment system, a brilliant audio setup, xenon projector lamps, new alloy wheel design and may other features, the car also comes with the largest sunroof in the segment, just like its other rivals such as Jeep Compass, MG Hector, etc.
5. Made In India, Made For India
The Tata Harrier is a Made In India product and contributes directly to the overall economic growth of the country. In these testing times, it is very important to push and support local brands and local products to help the country bounce back to normal. However, it is not just about being made in India, but the Harrier is a product which is far more superior in terms of build quality and overall comfort levels when compared to its chief rivals.
Cons
1. No Petrol Engine
The market is shifting towards petrol and hybrid engines while Tata is yet to introduce one in the Harrier. While the majority of the buyers prefer a diesel engine for an SUV of this size, there are a considerable number of buyers who will prefer a petrol powertrain. However, if reports are to be believed, the brand is working on introducing new petrol variants in the Harrier's line-up soon.
2. No So VFM
The Tata Harrier is definitely a great product with huge dimensions, a feature-rich cabin, and great build quality. However, comparing it to the rivals, the Harrier turns out to be significantly expensive, especially the top variant, which is priced a little over Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). The rivals such as the Creta, Seltos and Hector offer much more value for money pricing and a better overall package.
3. Fit And Finish Levels
Just like any other typical Tata car, the Harrier too has some rough edges inside the cabin and some uneven panel gaps. While the quality of the plastics used is great, the fit and finish levels could have definitely been worked upon - we will be showing the same in our upcoming video next week. These small things take a significant toll on the overall in-cabin experience, which remains a top priority for the customers, especially in this segment.
Read Also: Tata Motors July 2020 Discount; Harrier Receives As Much As Rs 80,000
4. Heavy Steering
The Tata Harrier is one of the best cars in terms of the overall ride and handling balance. It not only rides supremely well on the badly patched up roads but in addition, stays planted at the higher speeds. The hydraulic steering weighs up nicely and is responsive at the triple-digit speeds but feels a little too heavy when used inside at slower speeds. While many will tend to get used to the overall weight of the steering wheel, others may feel tired after operating it for an hour.
5. Not As Feature Rich As Its Rivals
With the launch of new vehicles such as the new Creta, Kia Seltos, and the MG Hector, we have seen the introduction of segment-first features such as connected car technology, air purifier, electronic park brake, ventilated seats, internet connectivity, and many others. It is also worth noting that cars which are almost Rs 3-4 Lakh cheaper than the Harrier offer such features and services, which make the Harrier lose out some critical points in the overall battle.
I believe that the Tata Harrier BS6, even with some of the shortcomings, is one of the best cars in the segment. It looks bold, it has a massive road presence, the engine performance is ballistic considering its size and most importantly, it is one of the better-built cars in the segment. After considering all the Tata Harrier BS6 Pros and Cons, I would still happily pick this car over all its rivals.
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