Tata Motors has reaffirmed its intent to launch petrol-powered variants of its popular SUVs—the Harrier and the Safari—by FY2026. This reconfirmation was made during Tata’s recent investor presentation for FY2024–25, where the company laid out its multi-fuel strategy.
These petrol variants will be powered by Tata’s new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which made its first appearance at the 2023 Auto Expo.
Designed to offer a balanced mix of power and efficiency, this engine is expected to deliver around 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque, and will likely be paired with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Strategic Move Amidst Evolving Market
Until now, both the Harrier and Safari have been offered exclusively with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, sourced from Stellantis. However, with tightening emission regulations and a shift in consumer demand toward petrol and hybrid powertrains, Tata’s decision to expand its lineup with petrol options aligns with broader market trends.
Petrol engines tend to have lower upfront costs and are typically preferred in urban areas due to quieter operation and smoother refinement. Tata is clearly looking to tap into a wider customer base, especially those who may have avoided the diesel-only Harrier and Safari.
Platform and Compatibility
The upcoming petrol versions will be based on the same Omega architecture that underpins the current diesel models. Tata has previously stated that this platform has been engineered to support multiple fuel types, including petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and even electric powertrains.
This modularity allows Tata Motors to adapt more swiftly to market dynamics and regulatory changes. It also opens up future possibilities for hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions of the Harrier and Safari.
What to Expect
While official launch timelines are yet to be announced, FY2026 points to a debut sometime between April 2025 and March 2026. The petrol Harrier and Safari are expected to retain the same design language and feature list as their diesel counterparts.
Buyers can expect:
ADAS features (already present in recent updates)
Panoramic sunroof
Large touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech
Ventilated seats and premium interior trim
Pricing will likely position the petrol models below the diesel variants, making them more competitive against petrol-powered rivals like the MG Hector and Hyundai Alcazar.
Conclusion
Tata Motors’ move to introduce petrol versions of the Harrier and Safari is a significant step in diversifying its product lineup. With a capable turbo-petrol engine in development and a proven platform, these models are poised to attract a new set of buyers looking for refined, feature-rich SUVs with flexible fuel options. As FY2026 approaches, the anticipation for Tata’s petrol flagship SUVs is expected to grow.
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