Tata Harrier and Safari petrol versions are finally here, marking an important update for India’s full-size SUV segment. On 7 January, Tata Motors officially launched the petrol-powered variants of its two popular SUVs, expanding their appeal beyond diesel-only buyers.
With this move, Tata Motors aims to attract customers who prefer smoother petrol engines, lower upfront costs, and city-friendly driving characteristics—without sacrificing performance, safety, or features. And yes, Tata didn’t just swap engines and call it a day. There’s more under the hood, both literally and figuratively.
Let’s break it all down in a clean, factual, and Google-friendly way.
Tata Harrier and Safari Petrol: What’s New?
The launch of Tata Harrier and Safari petrol versions ends a long wait. Until now, both SUVs were available only with a diesel engine. With petrol variants joining the lineup, Tata has widened the choice for buyers who drive mostly in cities or prefer petrol’s refinement.
Key highlights at a glance:
- New 1.5-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine
- Lower starting price compared to diesel variants
- Level-2 ADAS safety features
- No major design compromise
- Same strong road presence, now with petrol power
Pricing: Petrol Makes Them More Accessible
One of the biggest talking points is pricing.
- Tata Harrier Petrol: starts at ₹12.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Tata Safari Petrol: starts at ₹13.29 lakh (ex-showroom)
These prices undercut their diesel counterparts, making both SUVs more accessible to a wider audience. For buyers who don’t rack up heavy highway mileage, the petrol versions make financial sense.
Engine and Performance: New 1.5L TGDi Turbo-Petrol
At the heart of the Tata Harrier and Safari petrol models sits Tata’s new 1.5-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine, internally known as the Hyperion unit.
Engine Specifications:
- Displacement: 1.5 litres
- Power output: 170 PS
- Peak torque: 280 Nm
- Transmission options:
- 6-speed manual
- 6-speed automatic
Tata first showcased this engine at Auto Expo 2023, and it recently made its production debut in the new Tata Sierra. Its inclusion here shows Tata’s confidence in this powertrain.
The engine delivers strong mid-range performance and smoother city drivability than diesel—ideal for urban and mixed-use driving.
Mileage and Top Speed: Petrol with a Surprise
Fuel efficiency often worries petrol SUV buyers, but Tata makes some bold claims here.
- Harrier Petrol: up to 25.9 kmpl (claimed)
- Safari Petrol: up to 25 kmpl (claimed)
- Top speed: up to 216 km/h
In fact, Tata Harrier Petrol has earned a place in the India Book of Records for achieving the highest mileage in a petrol manual SUV during a 12-hour drive. While real-world figures will vary, the claim strengthens Tata’s efficiency narrative.
Diesel vs Petrol: Still Available Side by Side
Tata continues to offer the familiar 2.0-litre diesel engine alongside the new petrol option.
Diesel Engine (Existing):
- Power: 170 PS
- Torque: 350 Nm
- Gearboxes: 6-speed manual and automatic
- Mileage:
- Harrier: up to 16.8 kmpl (MT)
- Safari: up to 16.3 kmpl (MT)
This dual-engine strategy ensures buyers can choose based on usage, not compromise.
Exterior Design: Familiar, With Subtle Updates
Tata hasn’t changed the design language drastically—and that’s a smart move. Both SUVs already enjoy strong visual appeal.
Notable Updates:
- Nitro Crimson Red color option added to Harrier
- Return of Red Dark Edition (petrol-only, top variants)
- Dark and Stealth editions remain available with diesel
The Red Dark Edition, in particular, adds a sporty edge without going overboard. It’s bold, but not trying too hard—much like Tata’s recent design philosophy.
Interior and Features: Loaded and Modern
Inside, the Tata Harrier and Safari petrol variants mirror the updated feature set seen in recent diesel versions.
Key Feature Highlights:
- 36.9 cm (14.5-inch) touchscreen infotainment system
- Dolby Atmos-supported premium audio
- Digital rear-view mirror with built-in dashcam
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Connected car technology
- Voice-assisted navigation
- Sliding front armrest
- Dual camera washer system
- Memory ORVMs with reverse assist
Everything feels tech-forward, yet practical. Tata has focused on features people actually use—not gimmicks that sound good only on brochures.
Safety: 5-Star Rated with Level-2 ADAS
Safety remains one of Tata’s strongest selling points.
Both petrol SUVs carry:
- 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating
- 7 airbags as standard
- Level-2 ADAS with 22 features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- High-beam assist
- 360-degree camera
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
In short, petrol buyers don’t lose out on safety—at all.
Variants and Seating Options
Tata Harrier Petrol Variants:
- Smart
- Pure
- Adventure
- Fearless
- Select trims with Dark & Red Dark editions
Tata Safari Petrol Variants:
- Smart
- Pure
- Adventure
- Accomplished
- 6-seater and 7-seater layouts
- Dark & Red Dark editions in higher trims
This wide variant spread ensures flexibility across budgets and family needs.
Rivals: Tough Competition Ahead
The Tata Harrier and Safari petrol variants enter a competitive arena.
Main Rivals:
- MG Hector
- MG Hector Plus
- Mahindra XUV700
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Jeep Compass
Tata’s edge lies in safety ratings, feature depth, and now, more accessible pricing.
Final Verdict: A Sensible and Timely Move
The launch of Tata Harrier and Safari petrol versions feels less like a trend-following decision and more like a well-timed correction. Tata listened to market demand, refined its petrol engine, and delivered it without cutting corners.
If you want:
- A big, safe SUV
- Strong petrol performance
- Modern features
- Competitive pricing
Then these new petrol variants deserve serious consideration.
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