Aiming to make the Harrier the best-handling SUV in its segment, Tata Motors conducts advanced double-lane change and fish hook handling tests at the NATRAX test track near Indore.
24 Oct 2018 | 6417 Views | By Soham Thakur, Autocar India
Tata Motors has released a video of its upcoming Harrier SUV undergoing advanced double-lane change and fish hook handling tests at the NATRAX test track near Indore. The Harrier was also spotted testing at the Kari Motor Speedway near Coimbatore in August, as Tata Motors is firmly set on making it the best-handling SUV in its segment.
The NATRAX test track near Indore, Madhya Pradesh is Asia’s largest testing facility and specialises in testing vehicle dynamics. The video shows the Harrier passing both, the double-lane change and fish hook test, on the track, proving its dynamic driving performance and its ability to tackle sticky situations in the real world.
Based on the Land Rover-derived platform called Omega by Tata, the Harrier is expected to benefit from the driving dynamics attributed to Land Rovers as it will have a similar floorpan, steering gear, and an all-independent suspension. The SUV is also the first model to be developed under Tata’s latest Impact Design 2.0 design language, which means it will be a looker.
Powering the Harrier will be a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre turbo-diesel motor which will produce 140hp and come mated to a 6-speed manual or a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive with driving modes will be on offer as well. A seven-seat version (codename: H7X) is slated join the line-up later.
Expected pricing for the Harrier when it goes on sale next year is between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 21 lakh. It will compete with the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson in India. Recently, Tata Motors has been updating its model line-up with the launch of the Tiago NRG, Hexa XM+ and Tigor XZ+. Tata Motors will also introduce the performance-focused Tiago and Tigor JTP on October 26.
Also read: NATRAX: Testbed of automotive tech