The Tata Harrier mid-size SUV was launched in early 2019 and has been undergoing a series of improvements since in terms of features, engine and transmission upgrades. In the latest round of spy shots, the updated Harrier was seen without camouflage for the first time, revealing a sunroof too. Tata hasn’t changed any of the Harrier’s distinctive design elements with its updates.

• BS6 compliant diesel engine will see power output rise from 140PS to 170PS.
• The Harrier with a sunroof and 6-speed automatic may launch by the end of this year.
• The 7-seater Harrier too is expected to come by end-2019 with a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the 5-seater.

The sunroof isn’t as prominent as the huge panoramic unit on the MG Hector. Tata is likely to offer the sunroof in more than one variant of the Harrier. Tata and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have been testing the BS6 versions of the Harrier and Compass for some time now and both SUVs have been spotted together on numerous occasions previously. The BS6-spec Harrier will not only be cleaner but more powerful as the 2.0-litre motor’s output is set to jump from the current 140PS state of tune to 170PS. The torque output, however, will remain unchanged at 350Nm.

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk which debuted the BS6-compliant version of the MultiJet II diesel engine features the same output as well. The Harrier is likely to get the BS6 compliant diesel engine by the end of the year. All said and done, the carmaker might choose to retain the 140PS version for lower variants of the Harrier.

Additionally, the Tata Harrier has also been sighted with an automatic previously. This version will use a 6-speed torque converter sourced from Hyundai. The same transmission can also be found on the Tucson. The above-mentioned upgrades are likely to make the Tata Harrier a much more appealing product in the face of rising competition from newbies like the MG Hector and the upcoming Kia Seltos which boasts of features that haven’t been seen in the segment before.

Apart from future-proofing the Harrier, Tata has also been focussing on bringing the 7-seater version of the SUV. It was first showcased as the Buzzard at the Geneva Motor Show. However, it will bear a different name when it is launched in India. The extended version of the Harrier will also feature the automatic transmission and is likely to be offered with a fixed glass roof as well.

The Tata Harrier equipped with the sunroof and automatic transmission is likely to be launched by the end of this year. It is likely to be priced at a premium of around Rs 1.50 lakh over the corresponding manual variant. The 7-seater Tata Harrier, which is likely to be launched early next year, could attract a premium of Rs 1 lakh over the 5-seater version. Priced between Rs 13 lakh to Rs 16.78 lakh, the Tata Harrier is also available in a new dual-tone variant.

(Source: www.cardekho.com)