Tata Harrier and Safari Set to Unleash New 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine by March 2026
Mumbai, India – June 15, 2025 – Tata Motors is poised to significantly broaden the appeal of its flagship SUV duo, the Harrier and Safari, with the introduction of an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This highly anticipated powertrain is set to debut by the end of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), meaning both the 5-seater Harrier and the 7-seater Safari will be available with this petrol option by March 2026. This move marks a strategic diversification for Tata, which currently offers these SUVs exclusively with a diesel engine, and aims to capture a larger share of the increasingly petrol-biased SUV market.
The 1.5L TGDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine is not entirely new to the public eye. It was first unveiled nearly two years ago at the 2023 Auto Expo, alongside the 1.2L turbo petrol mill, which has since debuted with the Curvv SUV-coupe in the domestic market. Both these advanced engines are engineered to meet the stringent BS6 Phase II emission levels, ensuring compliance with the latest environmental regulations, and are also capable of running on E20 fuel, aligning with India’s push for ethanol blending.
The New Petrol Powerhouse: Light, Refined, and Efficient
The specifications of the new 1.5L TGDi petrol engine highlight its modern design and expected performance:
- Engine Type: 1.5L TGDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection)
- Construction: Lightweight aluminium
- Displacement: 1498cc
- Cylinders: 4-cylinder
- Maximum Power Output: 168 bhp at 5000 rpm
- Peak Torque Performance: 280 Nm between 2000-3000 rpm
Due to its lightweight aluminium construction, this new powertrain is expected to offer high levels of refinement, minimizing vibrations and noise for a smoother driving experience. Furthermore, the inherent efficiency of a TGDi petrol engine, combined with its optimized power and torque delivery, is anticipated to translate into improved mileage figures compared to larger, less advanced petrol units. This will be a significant draw for consumers increasingly conscious of fuel costs.
For transmission options, the Harrier and Safari, when equipped with the new 1.5L TGDi petrol engine, are likely to offer both a 6-speed manual gearbox and a sophisticated 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) unit. The inclusion of a DCT will further enhance the driving experience, offering seamless gear changes and contributing to overall refinement.
Current Diesel Offerings and Competitive Landscape
Currently, both the Tata Harrier and Safari are available exclusively with the robust 2.0L 4-cylinder Kryotec diesel engine. This engine, known for its strong performance, generates a maximum power output of 168 bhp and a highest torque performance of 350 Nm. It can be availed with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox choices. While the diesel engine offers higher torque, which is beneficial for heavy load carrying and highway cruising, the market trend is steadily shifting towards petrol and hybrid options due to factors like varying fuel prices, perceived lower maintenance costs of petrol engines, and evolving emission norms.
Pricing Strategy: Making Harrier and Safari More Accessible
The introduction of petrol variants is expected to significantly impact the pricing strategy of the Harrier and Safari, making them more accessible to a wider customer base:
- Tata Harrier: Currently sold in a price range of Rs 15-26.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The petrol-powered grades are expected to be relatively cheaper, potentially priced between Rs 12.50-15.50 lakh (ex-showroom). This would place them more directly in competition with popular petrol-only mid-size SUVs. The Harrier also features #DARK and Stealth Editions, which come with additional aesthetic enhancements over the standard trims, offering unique visual appeal.
- Tata Safari: On the other hand, the 7-seater Tata Safari comes in a price bracket of Rs 15.50-26.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The petrol variants are expected to be more affordable, with a potential starting price of Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom). The Safari also offers #DARK Edition (priced from Rs 19.65 lakh to Rs 27 lakh) and a Stealth Edition (retailed in a price domain of Rs 25.75-27.24 lakh), catering to different customer preferences for styling.
This aggressive pricing for the petrol variants aims to widen the appeal of the Harrier and Safari, allowing them to compete more effectively against rivals like the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and the petrol variants of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, many of which offer petrol options across their range.
Expanding the Portfolio: Harrier EV’s Role
Tata Motors is not just focusing on ICE powertrains; its electrification strategy is also in full swing. The company recently launched the Harrier EV at an introductory price of Rs 21.49 lakh (ex-showroom) in the Indian market. Tata Motors is set to announce the complete variant-wise pricing of the Harrier EV in July 2025.
The Harrier EV marks a significant milestone as Tata’s first all-wheel-drive electric SUV in India. It comes with a dual-motor setup, promising a robust performance and an impressive claimed range of over 500 km on a full charge. The introduction of the Harrier EV alongside the new petrol engine variants demonstrates Tata’s multi-pronged approach to cater to diverse customer demands, ensuring its flagship SUVs remain competitive across all relevant powertrain options.
By offering a comprehensive range of choices – from the existing robust diesel to the upcoming efficient petrol and the technologically advanced electric powertrains – Tata Motors aims to solidify the Harrier and Safari’s position as segment leaders, appealing to an even broader spectrum of Indian automotive consumers. The next year will be crucial for Tata as it strategically expands its powertrain portfolio to meet evolving market trends.
