Next-Gen Tata Harrier And Safari: Details Revealed
The Tata Harrier was originally launched in 2019, and it was followed by the launch of the Safari in 2021. Both of these models then received mid-life facelifts in late 2023. Now, although the facelift was good enough to rejuvenate the sales of these SUVs, the company is now working on the development of the second generation of the Harrier and Safari. Internally codenamed the Taurus and Leo, the new Harrier and Safari will be bigger and also come equipped with the much-demanded AWD system.
Second-generation Harrier and Safari to be based on new platform
As mentioned, Tata has internally codenamed the new generation Harrier – Taurus and the Safari – Leo. The company has also commenced the development of a brand-new platform, which will be flexible and able to accommodate different powertrains. Tata Motors is planning to launch ICE, electric, and AWD systems.
Currently, the Tata Harrier and the Safari both are based on the Omega architecture, which has been derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform. The major drawback of this platform is that it cannot accommodate an AWD system for the ICE models, which Tata customers have been demanding for a while. Presently, both Harrier and Safari offer front-wheel drive only.
Finally, Tata SUVs to get AWD system
Now, with the development of this new platform, both ICE- and electric powertrain-equipped Harrier and Safari will come with AWD systems. Ever since the launch of these SUVs, buyers had complained that the lack of an AWD system, especially on the Safari, detaches it from the lineage. Most of the Safari models over the years had offered a 4X4 system.
Powertrain options of second generation Harrier and Safari
Coming to the powertrain options that will be offered with the new generation Harrier and Safari, the first will be a brand-new 1.5-litre TGDi turbo petrol engine, which will make around 170 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. Transmission options for this new engine have not been confirmed.
However, it is believed that a 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard. Meanwhile, a DCT will be optional. As for the diesel engine option, both SUVs will continue to get the same 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine making 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque. However, this time around, the engine will not be manufactured by Stellantis, from which the company currently sources it.
Rather, it has now licensed the engine from the Stellantis group and will now develop it in-house. Additionally, Tata Motors will also offer the new second-generation Harrier and Safari with electric powertrains. Most likely, it will be an evolved version of the recently launched Harrier.ev’s powertrain.
Other significant upgrades of the new Harrier and Safari
Now, coming to the other significant upgrades, both the Harrier and Safari second generation will be bigger in dimensions. The new models are expected to be longer by 100–200 mm, which will ensure that there is increased legroom inside the SUVs (especially the Safari, which comes offered with three rows).
Also, a new electrical and electronic architecture is expected with these new models. Recently, Tata has joined hands with the Chinese brand Desay for the development of this new system. Most likely, the interior will also be changed completely and feature a new digital instrument gauge cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and other features.