A Tata Harrier has been spied testing an automatic gearbox which could be a 6-speed torque converter unit sourced from Hyundai. Expected launch around festive season.
The competition in the mid-size SUV segment is just getting more intense by the day. We are seeing very frequent new launches and its becoming a challenge for the existing cars to keep up with the new ones. One such car has been the Tata Harrier which has been witnessing declining sales since the launch of the Hector and also the upcoming Seltos. Tata has done their bit to keep the Harrier relevant by introducing dual-tone color options, sunroof and the likes, but a Harrier with an automatic transmission has been finally spied.
An automatic transmission from the Harrier has been missing for a long time. In fact, it was only offered in one single configuration – a diesel manual variant. Now, however, a camouflaged test mule of the Harrier has been spotted and sneaking through the windows of the car, one can see an automatic gear lever. There were no other noticeable exterior or interior changes on the car except for the fact that the test mule was also seen wearing black alloy wheels.
Tata sources the engine for the Harrier from FCA – the same engine that offered in the Jeep Compass, albeit in a lesser state of tune – its a 2.0L, diesel engine producing 140 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. However, sources say that this automatic transmission will be sourced from Hyundai. If it is indeed so, the Hyundai Tucson’s 6-speed torque-converter automatic unit is likely to be the one in the Harrier too.
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The automatic transmission will be offered on the top two trim levels of the Harrier for a premium of about Rs. 1-1.5 lakhs. Given by the popularity of automatic transmissions in this segment, when the Harrier does get it finally, it surely will boost the sales of the Harrier. The Harrier is a much loved car anyway and it will surely benefit by this. Tata has been testing the Harrier Automatic for quite some time now and a festive season launch of this vehicle can be very well expected.
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The Tata Harrier Automatic will likely be launched with a BS-VI diesel engine producing 170 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. This engine has already been given the BS-VI treatment as it comes in the Compass Trailhawk in the BS-VI compliant guise. Meanwhile, Tata is also working on a seven-seater version of the Harrier which it showcased at the Geneva Motor Show this year. The same is expected to be launched ta the 2020 Auto Expo.