Tata has introduced petrol power options for the Harrier and Safari, a significant move for the company’s lineup. The new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo petrol engine debuted in the Sierra and is now available in the Harrier and Safari. This addition fills a gap in the market, allowing the manufacturer to compete more effectively in the segment.
Visuals and Cabin Space
Visually, the changes are minimal. The cars retain their strong presence, with a new Nitro Crimson paint option adding a fetching touch. The Red Dark treatment is also available for petrol variants. On the inside, the Red Dark edition Safari features tasteful black interiors with red accents, avoiding a loud or cluttered look. However, the new beige and brown color scheme in the Harrier offers a more airy feel.
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The Harrier’s central dash panel features a wood finish that looks plush. The reviewer notes that a textured finish might have been preferable to the current gloss plastic. Fitments are consistent across the board, and there is good use of soft surfaces. The new Accomplished Ultra variant upgrades the infotainment system to a 14.5-inch Samsung OLED display. Other additions include camera washers and a reverse gear-synced outer mirror.
Boot space measures 420 litres in the Safari with the third row flat, while the Harrier offers slightly more at 445 litres. The Harrier’s boot lip is not level, unlike the Safari’s. Rear seat space is adequate, though the third row is best suited for children. Getting into the third row is tight due to wheel well protrusion, and headroom is limited by the seatback angle.
Performance and Handling
The petrol engine produces 170 PS and 280 Nm, a 10 PS and 25 Nm increase from the Sierra tune. It delivers a linear, solid pull with a bit more aggression dialled in for these models. Off the line, the engine can feel spiky, jumping around 1,500 rpm. There are some vibrations in the footwell and steering wheel, more noticeable in the Harrier, though they fade with speed.
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Handling feels a bit more agile than the diesel versions. The cars lean in bends but remain controlled. The electronic power steering aids agility, though there is a lack of feel at the dead centre. Brakes are effective but could offer more feedback at the start of travel.
This new powertrain is a step forward for Tata. It lacks the effortless nature of the diesel but fits naturally into the Harrier and Safari. The new features and consistent build quality make these SUVs a solid choice for those who prefer petrol over diesel.
