Tata Harrier

The Tata Harrier is a direct descendant of the stunning Concept H5X we saw at the 2018 Auto Expo. Is the production-spec SUV watered down a bit too much compared to the concept? Not entirely. It does stand out in a crowd, especially finished in bright orange. The headlamps have been moved down to the bumper, whereas the daytime running lamps take their usual spot. Much like the concept, the Harrier too features connected tail lamps. An underwhelming aspect are the 17-inch wheels. We think it looks too sober compared to the rest of the car that commands attention.

Step inside the cabin of the Harrier and you’re greeted by the best interior Tata has dished out till date. The quality of materials, the minimalistic design and the generous peppering of features has us excited. On offer is leather upholstery, an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. You also get the usual premium car bits, including automatic climate control, rear AC vents, as well as cruise control. There are weird omissions, though - that of an auto-dimming mirror, a powered driver seat and most importantly, a sunroof! That said, it’s a spacious car for five occupants, and the 410-litre boot will be more than happy to take the luggage too. The top-spec Harrier XZ features six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control as well as hill descent control. You’re more than covered on the safety front. Weirdly enough, ISOFIX child seat mounts are limited to the XZ variant, which we think should’ve been standard across the range.

The Tata Harrier is available with a single 2.0-litre diesel engine. This motor is the same as the Jeep Compass, but with a different engine map. Instead of the Jeep’s 173PS/350Nm, the Harrier gets 140PS and 350Nm. At launch, the Harrier will be offered with a manual transmission only. A diesel-automatic Harrier is in the works and is expected to be launched by Diwali 2019. What’s surprising is that the Harrier is front-wheel drive despite it being based on the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s platform. It does get an ESP-based ‘Terrain Response’ system though, with Normal, Rough Road and Wet modes. This is in addition to the Eco, City and Sport drive modes.

You can choose between four variants - XE, XM, XT, and XZ. Even the base-spec Harrier is well equipped with features such as projector headlamps, puddle lamps, dual airbags and ABS. But it’s the XM variant onwards where the Tata is really throwing punches. For instance, the XM packs in a 7-inch touchscreen, steering-mounted audio controls, front fog lamps and drive modes. Highlights on the XT include dual-function LED DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, push-button start, auto headlamps and wipers as well as cruise control. With the XZ, Tata is adding the safety net of side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts and ESP. The XZ is also the only variant to feature the display in the instrument cluster, Terrain Response modes and the larger 8.8-inch touchscreen.

Tata Hexa: Tata has been putting out some amazing cars lately and the Hexa is no exception. The stylish new SUV is a head turner for sure. It is superbly built and refined. The smaller footprint also helps it while manoeuvring in the city.

Hyundai Creta: The Hyundai Creta might be a vanilla package, but that doesn’t stop it from being a potent one. It’s got the mix of looks, features and drivability which ensures thousands throng the showrooms. The waiting periods can get annoying though, so be warned!

Mahindra XUV500: Like most Mahindra vehicles, the XUV offers a lot for the money. Quality is a bit of a hit or a miss, and there are known niggles too. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Mahindra’s big boy is a well-packaged SUV for those who love munching miles.

Jeep Compass: If that Jeep badge tugs at your heart, the Compass is currently the most affordable way to scratch that itch. In return, you get a solidly built, fun to drive brute that can tear through the scenery if needed. Not a bad deal, we say!

We don’t see any major deal breakers with the Harrier. It’s loaded, spacious, drives well and is built like a tank. Tata’s best yet? Without a doubt.