Tata Motors has launched petrol-powered iterations of the Harrier and Safari SUVs. Introductory prices start at Rs 12.89 lakh for the Harrier petrol and Rs 13.29 lakh for the Safari petrol (ex-showroom). Both models are powered by Tata’s new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine, developed in-house and first introduced on the Tata Sierra. For application on the larger and heavier Harrier and Safari, the engine has been tuned to deliver 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque around 10 hp and 25 Nm more than its Sierra specification. Tata Motors has previously indicated that petrol-powered vehicles now account for nearly 30% of sales in the high-SUV segment, prompting the company to broaden its petrol offerings beyond its traditionally diesel-led portfolio.
The Hyperion Heart: Performance and Engineering
The Tata Harrier petrol’s starting price is higher than its direct rival, the MG Hector that is priced from Rs 11.99 lakh while the Safari petrol undercuts the recently launched Mahindra XUV7XO which is priced from Rs 13.66 lakh. The XUV 7XO however, comes with a more powerful 203hp engine. The Hyundai Alcazar, which also rivals the Safari petrol, starts at Rs 14.49 lakh. (all prices are ex-showroom).
Ultra Luxury: Tech and Interior Enhancements
The Harrier and Safari petrol are offered across seven trims for each model, including the newly introduced Fearless Ultra, which adds features such as a Samsung 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Dolby Atmos audio, a digital IRVM with integrated dashcam and a few other additions. Select trims also get new 19-inch alloy wheels. Both SUVs are offered in Dark, Stealth and Red Dark editions as well
Commenting on the launch, Vivek Srivatsa, chief commercial officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said “The new Hyperion engine enhances the core attributes of the Harrier and Safari design, performance and safety while delivering improved refinement, performance and fuel efficiency for evolving customer preferences.”
