Upcoming Tata Harrier SUV to get 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine

Tata Motors, which is on a roll both in its passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle businesses, is fast upping the ante, particularly when it comes to SUVs. And it is now readying to roll out the all-new Harrier SUV early next year.

The first model developed under Tata Motors' latest Impact Design 2.0 design language, the Harrier will sport bold styling with large wheels and prominent wheel arches. The production model is expected to look similar to the concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2018.

The upcoming five-seat Harrier SUV is based on the Omega platform which is derived from Land Rover's D8 architecture. In a recent video, Tata Motors has revealed further details and features of the platform in the run-up to the launch of its much-awaited SUV in early 2019.

Tata Motors claims the Harrier's body movements over broken road conditions will be under control due to optimised torsional and bending stiffness. Also, thanks to the D8 platform, the SUV is likely to benefit from the driving dynamics attributed to Land Rovers as it will have a similar floorpan, steering gear, and an all-independent suspension. Some of the aluminium bits, however, will be replaced by more affordable steel parts to keep costs in check.

Tata Motors says the Harrier has been tested for 2.2 million kilometres on the toughest of terrain. While the short video only shows a camouflaged SUV being driven on varied surfaces within Tata’s own test facility, spy pics of the final product from across the country suggest the Harrier has some serious testing mileage under its belt. Recently, yet another production mule was snapped by Autocar India staffer Kuldeep Chaudhari outside Manali (pictured above). The close-to-production test mule was shod with 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/65 R17 Goodyear tyres.

The Harrier promises a quiet cabin due to the use of auxiliary isolation panels. Moreover, it will have efficiently designed crumple zones and see the extensive use of high strength steel to offer a higher level of safety.

2.0L Kryotec engine to power Harrier
On October 6, Tata Motors released information on the powerplant for the Harrier SUV. The engine has been christened  Kryotec, the name inspired by 'the Cryogenic rocket engine known for its power and reliability’.

Tata Motors hasn’t revealed exact engine displacement or power and torque figures but what's well known is that the engine is derived from Fiat’s four-cylinder Multijet 2.0 unit that powers the Jeep Compass. The engine will produce around 140hp on the Harrier; a larger, seven-seat version of the Harrier with the 170hp version of the engine like that on the Jeep. On the Harrier, the engine will come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and will also be offered with the option of a Hyundai-sourced six-speed automatic.

Without delving into the finer points, Tata Motors says the Harrier’s engine will feature an electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger, a low friction valve train and an advanced EGR system. The engine, says Tata Motors, is benchmarked against global standards for performance and refinement.   

The Tata Harrier is set to go on sale in January 2019, and will take on the upcoming Kia SP-based SUV and Nissan Kicks, in addition to the Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur already on sale.

Also see: Tata Harrier caught testing at Kari Motor Speedway

Tata Harrier SUV: 5 things to know

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