Tata Harrier – You Cannot Go Wrong With This Tata Machine

The 2020 update makes the Harrier more desirable. What’s new in the latest iteration? We find out.

At the Indian Auto Expo 2018, Tata H5X concept left everyone spellbound. In January 2019, the production guise was launched under the insignia of Tata Harrier. Within a year of its launch, Tata Motors gave a facelift to its SUV along with the engine update. Besides the addition of Fuel Injection technology, the home grown automaker also embraced the Harrier with an automatic transmission. Something which the enthusiasts were waiting for.

The 2020 Harrier is tweaked based on the consumer feedback. It finally gets a lot of missing crucial features such as an IRVM, large panoramic sunroof and a powered 6-way adjustable driver’s seat. Offered in six variants, the Harrier SUV is available with only diesel engine which is available in manual as well as automatic transmission. The pricing sees another jump with this update but let’s have a look whether the bump is worth it.

Exterior

The Harrier boasts of a more mature design which looks class apart. The Tata SUV is the first car to feature impact 2.0 design language. This means the vehicle gets futuristic looks with a prominent face having LED DRLs placed on the conventional position of headlamps. The DRLs double up as indicators. The headlamp cluster is pushed into the bumper. It gets piano black finished grille with distinct designs. It also features faux skid plates finished in black shade.

You get a feel of Land Rover Discovery Sport from the sides of the Harrier. And why not, the Tata SUV is based on the LR platform. The appearance is beefier thanks to pronounced wheel arches and subtle contours on the side. The flared wheel arches nicely blend with the overall design. The lower trims get 16-inch steel wheels, whereas the top trims get bigger 17-inch alloy wheels. You get nicely done black cladding across the body which give it an off-roading look.

Tata Harrier features tasteful design at the rear with slightly bulbous LED tail lamps. The two lamps are joined by the use of thick black strap which looks graceful compared to the in-trend chrome strips. The bumper too features elegant design.

Dimensions

The Harrier is the longest and widest SUV in its class. It also carries the highest wheelbase in its segment comprising of the Creta, Compass and XUV500.

Interior

Tata Motors has ensured the luxury feel travels inside as well. The cars based on Alfa platform offer wide opening doors and low floor tunnel. The same is true for the Harrier as well. The addition of a massive panoramic sunroof gives you an instantaneous feel of airy cabin. The Harrier was always the most spacious car in its segment, which continues in the 2020 version as well. Whether front or rear, you get oodles of room be it head or leg. Even a 6-footer will find no complaints in the back seats.

The rich dashboard immediately catches your attention. The 8.8-inch floating touchscreen unit looks appropriate. The 7-inch MID with different themes also feels nice. The combination of soft leather and faux wood on the dash adds a premium touch to the cabin. Seats feel comfy and perforated leather further adds to the lavishness of the cabin. You sit in a commanding position in the Harrier which gives you a good view of the surroundings. The availability of rake and reach steering with height-adjustable driver seat helps you find the right driving position. Lumbar support is adjustable too.

Engine and Specifications

Tata Harrier is equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that gets both gearbox options – manual and automatic transmission. The 6-speed automatic gearbox is sourced from Hyundai.

The transition from BS4 to BS6 engine sees a rise of 30PS of power. The ARAI certified mileage of Harrier AT is 14.63kmpl.

Price

Tata Harrier is tagged in the bracket of Rs 13.84 – 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Below is the variant-wise prices of the Harrier.

Features

Tata Harrier is an upmarket SUV with many creature comfort features. You get xenon projector headlamps, auto headlamps, auto wipers, LED tail lamps, pillar-mounted rear AC vents, push-button start-stop, steering mounted controls, 6-way powered driver seat, 40:60 split rear seats, rake & reach adjustable steering, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM, 3 USB ports, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, 9 JBL speakers and two-sectioned secret space in the boot.

Tata has used perforated leather extensively across the cabin to give it a more upmarket look and, indeed, it lends. The soft-touch leather is used on dashboard, steering wheel, door pads and seats. Lastly, the floating 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is also offered.

Safety

The 2020 Harrier has become a safer SUV as well. It gets 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, front fog lamps with cornering function, rear parking sensors, perimetric alarm system, electronic stability system, hill descent control, hill hold control, rollover mitigation, child seat anchorages, reverse parking camera, brake disc wiping and brake reminder.

Verdict

Contemporary looks, premium interiors and spirited engine takes the ball in Harrier’s court. With the kind of space you get and the large glass area, the Harrier feels like a car from a segment-above. Tata engineers seem to have worked well be it with respect to interior quality or space. However, barring a few niggles and panel gaps, the Harrier is a quality product. In our books, the Tata Harrier is a value for money SUV.