KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Tata Harrier Petrol variant spied near Satara, Maharashtra
- New 1.5L GDI turbo petrol engine coming
- Petrol Harrier could start from Rs 13 lakh
- Front-wheel-drive layout confirmed on test mule
- Expected launch by late 2025 or 2026
Tata Harrier Petrol: Tata Motors is gearing up for a significant shift in its flagship SUV lineup. For the first time, a petrol-powered variant of the Tata Harrier has been spied undergoing real-world tests, hinting at an imminent expansion of the Harrier lineup. This development signals Tata's serious intent to tap into a wider audience by offering more affordable and diversified powertrain options. Check out all that we have got to know about the Harrier petrol yet. Before that, make sure that you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Harrier Petrol Test Mule Spotted
The test mule, recently spotted on the outskirts of Satara, Maharashtra, has sparked conversations across automotive circles. Captured by an alert automotive enthusiast, the prototype bears tell-tale signs of an internal combustion engine under the hood. Most notably, it features a visible exhaust setup on the rear left - distinct from the diesel model's configuration and a clear indication of its ICE identity.
Unlike the Harrier EV - which was officially showcased some time ago - this test unit had no elements suggesting electrification. Instead, it sported a conventional radiator up front and lacked the independent rear suspension typically seen on the EV version. More tellingly, the absence of a rear differential points toward a front-wheel-drive setup as other ICE variants.
Subtle Yet Familiar Design
From a design standpoint, the prototype remains true to the Harrier's bold and muscular profile. It carries over elements such as the connected LED taillights, high-mounted LED brake light, shark fin antenna, and wide 245-section tires, likely shod on 19-inch alloys in higher trims. These visual cues maintain the premium appeal of the SUV despite the mechanical changes underneath.
Why a Petrol Harrier Now?
Currently, the Harrier and Safari SUVs are solely offered with a Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel engine - a capable unit but one that drives up the base price. Meanwhile, rivals like the Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector have lured buyers with affordable turbo-petrol variants starting around the Rs 14 lakh mark. In contrast, the Harrier range kicks off at Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom), giving competitors a pricing edge in the entry-level SUV segment.
To counter this, Tata is developing a 1.5-litre turbocharged GDI petrol engine, said to be a powerful in-house creation, delivering around 170 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. Not only will this engine reduce dependency on external suppliers, but it will also enable Tata to lower the starting price of the Harrier significantly - possibly even to Rs 13 lakh for base petrol trims.
When Can We Expect the Launch?
While Tata Motors has remained tight-lipped about the official launch timeline, the recent sighting of this prototype strongly suggests that the Harrier Petrol is inching closer to production readiness. With the growing demand for petrol SUVs and the competitive market landscape, a launch sometime in late 2025 or early 2026 could be in the cards.
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Verdict
The introduction of a petrol Harrier could be a game-changer for Tata Motors. It promises not just a broader appeal but also a much-needed cost-effective alternative in a segment that's rapidly shifting towards petrol and hybrid solutions. With strong power figures, the reliability of an indigenous engine, and Tata's robust build quality, the Harrier Petrol could very well redefine the mid-size SUV space.
