Tata Motors reveals snazzy Harrier SUV

Here are the first official pictures of the Tata Harrier SUV, which rolled out from the company's Pune plant earlier today, and will go on sale in January 2019.

As promised by Tata Motors' designers, the Harrier stays true to the look of the H5X concept from Auto Expo 2018 that previewed the model and also showcased at the Geneva Motor Show this year. While certain styling elements have been toned down, the final form is rather attractive. The slit-like headlights (possibly LED units) and the layout of the grille is far removed from anything we have seen from Tata Motors yet.

First model on Impact Design 2.0
The Harrier is the first model to be designed to Tata’s new Impact Design 2.0 philosophy and one of the highlights is the prominent, three-dimensional ‘humanity line’ (Tata-speak for the styling element that underlines the grille and headlights). The ‘tri-arrow’ pattern that is an integral element of the styling package is also seen on the light and fog lamp enclosures lower down on the front bumper. Chunky cladding and a scuff plate are other elements at the front.

There’s a lot of cladding at the base of the doors as well, while the exaggerated wheel arches – again an element of Impact Design 2.0 – give the Harrier visual mass. What also adds some glamour to the sides is the rising glasshouse that’s pinched at the D-pillars. Tata Motors hasn’t revealed wheel and tyre sizes, but spy pics suggest 17-inchers will be the norm.

There’s a sleek flow to the tail-lights that are linked by a blackened element. A spoiler atop the windscreen, and the neatly executed cladding and brushed silver elements on the bumper complete the look. In pictures at least, the Harrier sure delivers.

Tata Motors has not released photos of the final model’s cabin as yet but Tata Motors has stated in the past that Impact Design 2.0 cars will boast clutter-free and practical interiors that will be high on quality. The Harrier will be a five-seater, though a seven-seat derivative (that will get its own name) is also in the works.

As is widely known by now, the Harrier will go on sale with a 2.0-litre diesel engine (christened Kryotec by Tata Motors), and will be available with the option of 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

Bookings for the Harrier are already open, and the official launch will take place by mid-January 2019, with Tata Motors set to start deliveries later that month. And as revealed by a leaked Tata Motors internal communication note, the Harrier’s on-road price is likely to range between Rs 16-21 lakh.  

The Harrier has been making waves ever since the H5X concept came out. If the buzz is anything to go by, Tata Motors has a winner on its hands. The competition stands warned: if the Tata Nexon has been a game-changer, then the Harrier has all the potential to leave the competion harried.

Also read: ​Tata Motors tests upcoming Harrier SUV at NATRAX

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