Harrier Petrol Breaks Cover in Dark Edition Before Imminent Launch
The Harrier Petrol was spotted at a dealership, confirming an imminent launch and revealing the SUV’s Dark Edition.
Tata Motors is accelerating preparations for the launch of the petrol-powered Harrier SUV in the Indian market, with the vehicle spotted at a dealership in its Dark Edition guise, signalling an imminent debut. The five-seater mid-size SUV, which has been exclusively diesel-only since its 2019 introduction, was photographed in a near-production form, featuring the familiar facelifted design language, including split LED headlights, a bold front grille, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The spotting, shared widely on social media and automotive forums, confirms that units are reaching showrooms ahead of schedule, following a postponement from the originally planned December 9, 2025, rollout for unspecified reasons. Bookings are slated to open on December 16, with deliveries commencing from January 15, 2026, positioning the Harrier Petrol as a festive-season contender in a segment dominated by versatile powertrain options.
The Harrier Petrol introduces Tata's new 1.5-litre TGDi Hyperion turbo-petrol engine, a four-cylinder unit developed in-house and first unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier in 2025. Producing 170 PS at 5,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, the engine marks a significant shift for the OMEGA-Arc platform, which previously housed only the 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel (167 PS/350 Nm). Paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission—the spotted unit featured the latter—the petrol variant promises refined performance with drive modes for varied terrains while retaining the diesel model's Level-2 ADAS suite, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and six airbags. No cosmetic or feature alterations are expected, ensuring parity across the lineup, including the Dark Edition's blacked-out accents and red brake callipers.
Priced to undercut the diesel range, the Harrier Petrol is anticipated to start at around Rs 13-14 lakh (ex-showroom), compared to the current diesel's Rs 14-25.25 lakh band, making it more accessible for urban buyers wary of diesel's higher running costs and emissions norms. This strategy addresses a key market gap, as rivals like the Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Creta, and MG Hector already offer petrol alternatives, boosting Tata's competitiveness in the Rs 15-25 lakh segment where petrol demand has surged 25% year-on-year. The Hyperion engine, manufactured at Tata's Ranjangaon facility in collaboration with Stellantis, could extend to future models like the Jeep Compass, enhancing economies of scale.
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The Harrier Petrol's arrival coincides with a petrol variant for the three-row Safari, expected shortly after, broadening Tata's appeal amid a booming SUV market projected to grow 12% in 2026. With over 2.5 lakh units sold cumulatively, the Harrier's petrol iteration—emphasising efficiency (expected 18-20 kmpl ARAI)—aims to capture younger demographics and city commuters, while the diesel retains its highway prowess. As Tata transitions toward electrification with upcoming EV variants, this dual-fuel approach underscores the brand's versatility, potentially elevating monthly sales beyond the current 4,000-unit mark.
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