Tata Motors is all set to launch an all-black edition of the Harrier SUV, which is now facing increased competition. MG Motor launched the Hector at a competitive price tag sometime ago, and the SUV already seems to have eaten into the sales of the Harrier. In the coming weeks, Kia Motors has lined up another Harrier rival in the form of the Seltos SUV. In the face of heightened competition, the Harrier all-black edition seeks to deflect some buyer interest back to Tata Motors’ latest and sharpest-looking SUV. The all-black edition of the Harrier features a gloss black paint scheme, matte finish for the front and rear bumper inserts, blacked out alloy wheels, all-black leather seats and textured grey dashboard trim that replaces the faux wood inserts. The SUV is likely to be introduced in a few days from now, right in the middle of India’s festive season as a new top-end trim. A small price premium is likely.
Images courtesy ACI
Apart from the various cosmetic bits, the Harrier All-Black edition will be unchanged mechanically. However, the SUV will feature all the updates that Tata Motors has been silently been making taking customer feedback into account. Expect a firmer steering, better clutch feel and an updated infotainment system on the latest version of the Harrier. The engine and gearbox will be carried over.
The SUV is powered by a 2 liter Fiat Multijet 4 cylinder turbodiesel engine with 140 Bhp-350 Nm outputs. A six speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels. The automaker is working on a Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) version of this engine, which is likely to be introduced in early 2020. The BS6 diesel engine is expected to make more power (170 Bhp) and could be a lot more refined. Fuel efficiency is also expected to go up as cutting tail pipe emissions has a positive impact on fuel efficiency.
Another key update for the Harrier SUV range sold in India will be the addition of a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox option. This gearbox – sourced from Hyundai – will address a key gap in the SUV’s variant chain, making the Tata Harrier more attractive to those seeking convenience. The diesel automatic trim of the SUV is likely to be offered in XT and XZ trims, and is expected to be about Rs. 1 lakh pricier than equivalent manual trims.
There won’t be an all wheel drive system though. The 6 speed automatic gearbox trim for the Harrier is likely to be offered along with the BS6 update. Tata Motors is also said to be working on a petrol powered Harrier. The SUV is likely to get a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine that will produce in excess of 140 Bhp. The petrol powered Harrier is slated for launch next year.
Also Read: Upcoming Tata Harrier All-Black Edition: Check it out