After years of diesel-only availability, the Tata Harrier and Safari are getting petrol engines. Six years for the Harrier, nearly four for the Safari. That’s a long wait, but it’s finally happening.
This isn’t just about adding another fuel option. These petrol variants bring meaningful updates that make both SUVs more accessible and, frankly, more appealing to a wider range of buyers.
The Engine: Related to Sierra, But Different
Both SUVs get a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct injection engine called Hyperion. It’s the same basic unit you’ll find in the Tata Sierra petrol, but the tuning tells a different story.
In the Sierra, this engine makes 158 hp and 255 Nm of torque. Bump that up to 168 hp and 280 Nm in the Harrier and Safari. More power, more torque. The interesting bit? Even between these two, the mapping differs. The Safari, which hauls more weight with six or seven people aboard, gets its torque from a lower engine speed. Smart move.
| Model | Power | Torque | Torque Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Sierra Petrol | 158 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 255 Nm | 1,750-4,000 rpm |
| Tata Harrier Petrol | 168 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 280 Nm | 1,750-3,500 rpm |
| Tata Safari Petrol | 168 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 280 Nm | Lower engine speed |
Manual or Automatic: Your Choice
Here’s where things get better than the Sierra. You’re not stuck with just an automatic. Tata’s offering both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The manual option matters. It’ll bring the entry price down, making these petrol variants accessible to more buyers. Plus, you might squeeze out slightly better fuel economy with the stick shift. In daily traffic, that adds up.
Shedding Weight, Gaining Agility
Look, the Harrier and Safari are heavy SUVs. Always have been. The new petrol engine shaves off 80 kg compared to the diesel. That’s not nothing.
Less weight means better handling. The driving experience becomes more confidence-inspiring, especially when you’re hustling through corners or dealing with quick lane changes. These aren’t sports cars, but any improvement in agility helps when you’re piloting something this size.
That New Samsung Display
And the bezels? Under 5 millimeters. It looks cleaner, more premium. These details matter when you’re spending this much on a vehicle.
Extra Features Worth Noting
The petrol variants debut a 14.53-inch Samsung Neo QLED display. Same one that’s been available in the Harrier.ev since it launched. This is proper mini-LED tech with 1,200 nits peak brightness, so you can actually see it in harsh daylight. The color gamut hits 95% NTSC, which means richer, more accurate colors.
Beyond the screen, Tata’s throwing in genuinely useful stuff:
- Sliding armrest for improved comfort
- Dash cam with digital IRVM monitor integration
- Front and rear camera washers
- Memory function for outside mirrors
None of this is revolutionary, but it’s the kind of practical convenience that makes daily ownership better.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been eyeing either SUV but couldn’t commit to diesel, this changes things. Petrol gives you more flexibility, potentially lower running costs depending on your usage, and easier resale down the line in many markets.
The weight reduction and added features make these petrol variants more than just a fuel alternative. They’re genuinely refined versions of what’s already out there.
Monojit Paul is the founder and editor of techautohub.com. He covers India’s automotive industry, focusing on new launches, cars, bikes, and market trends.
