Tata Harrier Seven-Seater In The Works, Launch In 2020

Update: The Tata Harrier has been launched at a very competitive price of Rs 12.69 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai! All the details here.

• Concept ‘H7X’ to preview the seven-seat SUV in 2019.
• Production-spec SUV is likely to hit roads by late 2019 or early 2020.
• 2.0-litre diesel engine is expected to be uptuned. Automatic transmission could be offered right from launch.

At the sidelines of the Harrier media drive, Tata Motors confirmed to ZigWheels that a seven-seat version of the Harrier is under development. The homegrown manufacturer also confirmed that it will first showcase a concept, dubbed H7X, that will preview the SUV.

We’re expecting the concept to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, considering how Tata has always showcased their showstoppers at the annual Swiss auto show. This also means Tata Motors will gladly drip feed us details about the SUV throughout the second half of 2019, before finally unveiling it in the metal by early 2020. Auto Expo 2020 seems like too good a platform to let go, doesn’t it?

This SUV will be based on the same OmegaARC platform, that is a derivative of Land Rover’s D8 architecture. It will borrow the same 2.0-litre diesel engine from the Harrier as well as the 6-speed manual gearbox. Under the hood of the five-seater, the motor makes 140PS and 350Nm. To create a distinction, and give the seven-seater some more pulling power, expect Tata to remap the motor. This should bring power up to 173PS, on par with what the Jeep Compass offers. Torque, however, is likely to remain the same at 350Nm. A 6-speed automatic is already being tested with the engine, and it’s likely to be available in the H7X-based SUV right from the start.

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Tata Motors will rely on the Discovery Sport’s versatile platform, and pack in the extra two seats without altering the 2471mm wheelbase. This means an increased rear overhang, that will translate to an increased overall length. The Discovery Sport offers a 50:50 split for the third row, and a 40:20:40 split for the second row. There’s a lot of versatility this setup offers, providing 194 to 1698 litres of boot space, depending on the seating configuration. For added practicality, the second row also slides by upto 160mm. All of this can be expected to be carried over to Tata’s seven-seater as well.

We’re expecting Tata to price the Harrier seven-seater in the Rs 15 lakh - Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom) bracket. And that puts it in a bit of a no man’s land as far as competition is concerned. Enough for you to get excited about the next big Tata? Let us know in the comments section below!