- The new 1.5-litre T-GDI engine makes 170PS of maximum power.
- Likely to get manual and DCT transmission options.
- Expected to be offered with the facelift versions of Harrier and Safari.
One of Tata Motors’ key announcements at the 2023 Auto Expo was the introduction of new 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol direct-injection (TGDi) engines. Mohan Savarkar, Vice President of Tata Motor’s Product Line, confirmed the latter would also be available with Harrier and Safari SUVs.
Currently, both these SUVs come with a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine (170PS/350Nm), paired with either a 6-speed manual or a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. And now, the SUVs are set to get turbo-petrol engine options.
As per the carmaker, this new 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, T-GDi mill is BS6 Phase 2 compliant and can run on E20 fuel (20 per cent of Ethanol blend). It makes 170PS of maximum power and 280Nm of peak torque, that’s 70Nm less when compared to the oil burner. While it’s not official, the carmaker is likely to pair this new power mill with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. A manual transmission could also be on offer.
We anticipate Tata Motors to introduce this new petrol engine with the facelifted Harrier and Safari. The updated iteration of both the SUVs will also recieve plenty of cosmetic enhancement and new features that were previewed in the Red Black Editions of Tata Harrier and Safari. Key highlights include a new & bigger infotainment system with more advanced connected car tech, digital driver’s display, memory function for the driver’s seat, ambient lighting, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and much more.
With the introduction of a petrol engine, the entry-level prices of the Tata Harrier and Safari are expected to go down by a considerable margin. Currently, their prices start at Rs 14.8 lakh and Rs 15.45 lakh, respectively. Once launched, they will become more competitive offerings in their respective segments.
