Tata Motors' South Africa Comeback: Harrier. Punch, Tiago And Currv Launched
Tata Motors has re-entered the South African passenger vehicle market after years away, launching four models at an event in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 20 August 2025. The company has tied up with Motus Holdings, one of South Africa’s largest automotive groups, to introduce the Harrier, Curvv, Punch, and Tiago.
The relaunch comes at a time when Tata Motors has grown strongly in India, expanding sales from 170,000 units in 2020 to over 560,000 units in 2025. By bringing the same new-age product range to South Africa, the company is positioning itself as a mainstream contender in a market that values affordability, features, and safety.
Safety is a central part of the lineup, with each of the four models carrying four- or five-star ratings from international and Indian crash-testing authorities. This is an important selling point for South Africa, where road safety is a growing concern among buyers.
Product Line-Up and Features
At the top end sits the Harrier, a large SUV measuring 4,605mm. It is powered by a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 125kW and 350Nm. Inside, it features either a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen system with wireless smartphone connectivity and Alexa Car2Home integration.
Safety features include six airbags, electronic stability systems, and Level 2 driver assistance with 20 functions. Comfort touches range from ventilated seats to a power tailgate with gesture control.
The Curvv introduces coupe-style design to the midsize SUV category. Measuring 4,308mm, it runs on a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with outputs of 88kW and 170Nm, paired with manual or dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. The cabin offers either a 7-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment system, a digital cluster, and customisable mood lighting.
For urban buyers, the compact Punch comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 65kW and 115Nm. Practical features include 90-degree opening doors and flexible storage solutions. Depending on the variant, it comes with either a 7-inch or 10.5-inch infotainment screen.
At the entry point is the Tiago hatchback, measuring 3,767mm. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 63kW and 113Nm, with manual and AMT gearbox choices. Despite its lower price positioning, the Tiago features touchscreen infotainment, digital instruments, wireless connectivity, a reverse camera, and even a cooled glove box.
Market Entry and Growth Plans
The South African debut is backed by a dealership footprint of 40 outlets, which will grow to 60 by 2026. This ensures Tata Motors can cover diverse geographies while providing aftersales service. Partnering with Motus Holdings gives the company access to decades of local market expertise.
Tata Motors has also emphasised that its plans extend beyond sales. Initiatives for technician training, sales staff development, and customer support are part of the rollout. Financial tie-ups with banks and lenders are expected to make ownership more accessible.
Each of the four models targets a different segment. The Harrier competes in the premium SUV category, the Curvv brings distinct styling to the midsize SUV space, the Punch addresses the fast-growing compact SUV segment, and the Tiago serves cost-conscious buyers. This layered approach gives Tata Motors a chance to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers.
Future plans include adding more models and exploring hybrid or electric variants in line with global trends. The South African market, like many others, is gradually opening up to alternative powertrains, and Tata Motors has already developed such products for its home market.