The Homegrown Automaker Aims to Cater to the Rising Demand for Petrol SUVs
Tata Motors, a prominent name in the Indian automotive industry, is all set to widen its premium SUV range with the introduction of petrol variants for the Tata Safari and Tata Harrier. These moves come in response to the surging popularity of petrol-powered SUVs in the Indian market and a clear strategy to offer a diverse powertrain portfolio for consumers.
An Exciting Shift in the Lineup
Currently, both the Tata Safari and Harrier are equipped with a robust 2.0-litre diesel engine, but the manufacturer is working diligently to incorporate petrol engines into these models, providing customers with more options and flexibility.
This development follows the recent launch of facelifted versions of the Safari and Harrier SUVs, which brought a plethora of design updates and an array of fresh features. While these upgrades enhanced the visual appeal and functionality of the vehicles, the underlying diesel powerplants remained largely unchanged, upgraded to meet the BS6 Phase-2 emission standards.
A New Petrol Powerhouse
According to Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles division, a 1.5-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine is currently in the works and will soon find its way under the hoods of both the Tata Safari and Harrier.
The move is strategic, considering the existing market dynamics. The segment to which both SUVs belong witnesses an annual sale of approximately two lakh units, with a whopping 80% of them being equipped with diesel engines. Recognizing this customer preference for diesel engines, Tata Motors initially directed its focus toward providing top-notch diesel powertrains.
Balancing the Equation
Chandra said, “Our initial focus was on diesel for a simple reason that 80% of the 2 lakh market for this SUV segment is basically diesel, which means customers prefer diesel because of its better torque performance.”
However, the emerging shift towards petrol-powered vehicles, driven by competitive pricing and evolving consumer preferences, has spurred Tata Motors to take action. Chandra explained, “But we knew that going forward petrol is also going to give aggressive price points (for the models) and also why one should leave 20% of the market, so we are working on a 1.5 litre GDI engine.”
A Work in Progress
The process of developing and integrating this new petrol engine is well underway, although it’s still in the early stages. Chandra reassured that while the launch of petrol-powered Safari and Harrier SUVs might be slightly down the road, it is an inevitable transition that Tata Motors is gearing up for.
As the Indian automotive landscape evolves, Tata Motors aims to stay ahead of the curve, catering to the diverse demands of its customers and contributing to the ever-expanding, dynamic SUV market in the country. The addition of petrol variants to the Tata Safari and Harrier demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to embracing change and offering vehicles that align with evolving consumer trends. Stay tuned for the arrival of these exciting petrol-powered SUVs.
