Tata Harrier : Petrol Enters the Competitive Mid-Size SUV Market in India
Tata Harrier: The Indian mid-size SUV segment has become increasingly competitive with the introduction of the petrol variant of the Tata Harrier. Tata Motors has officially expanded the Harrier lineup by launching a petrol-powered version, aiming to attract buyers who prefer refinement and quieter performance over diesel. With a starting price of Rs 12.89 lakh ex-showroom, this launch positions the Harrier petrol directly against popular rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The move is significant because the segment has long been dominated by petrol offerings from Hyundai and Kia, while Tata relied primarily on diesel powertrains until now.
Engine and Performance Overview
The Tata Harrier petrol is powered by a newly developed 1.5-litre Hyperion T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine. This motor has been engineered to deliver a strong balance between performance and drivability, producing 170 hp of power and 280 Nm of peak torque. These figures place it comfortably ahead of many naturally aspirated petrol engines in the segment. Power is sent to the front wheels, and buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This setup makes the Harrier suitable for both enthusiastic drivers and those who prioritize everyday comfort.
Petrol Engine Options in Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta has long been one of the most trusted names in the mid-size SUV category, thanks in part to its wide range of engine and transmission options. In petrol form, the Creta offers two distinct engine choices. The first is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 113 hp and 143.8 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an intelligent variable transmission. For buyers seeking stronger performance, Hyundai also offers a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that generates 158 hp and 253 Nm of torque, mated exclusively to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This variety allows the Creta to cater to a broad spectrum of buyers.
Kia Seltos Petrol Powertrain Choices
The Kia Seltos follows a similar strategy by offering multiple petrol engine options to appeal to different driving preferences. The entry-level petrol variant uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque. This engine focuses on smooth city driving and efficiency. For customers who prefer a more engaging driving experience, Kia offers a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 160 hp and 253 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, this engine is available with advanced automatic transmission options, making the Seltos one of the most versatile SUVs in its class.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Fuel efficiency remains a critical factor for Indian car buyers, even in the SUV segment. Tata Motors recently tested the Harrier petrol at the NATRAX facility, where it reportedly achieved a certified mileage figure of 25.9 kmpl. While real-world efficiency may vary, this figure highlights Tata’s focus on improving petrol efficiency.
The Hyundai Creta delivers different mileage figures depending on the chosen gearbox. According to official data, the manual petrol variant offers around 17.4 kmpl, while the intelligent variable transmission version improves slightly to about 17.7 kmpl. The turbo-petrol dual-clutch variant claims a mileage of approximately 18.4 kmpl, making it one of the more efficient turbo-petrol SUVs.
Kia Seltos also delivers competitive efficiency figures. The turbo-petrol dual-clutch variant is estimated to return around 17.9 kmpl, while the 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a CVT offers close to 18 kmpl, depending on driving conditions.
Price Positioning and Value Proposition
Pricing plays a decisive role in this segment, and each of these SUVs adopts a slightly different strategy. The Tata Harrier petrol is positioned as a premium offering, with prices ranging from Rs 12.89 lakh to over Rs 24 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant and transmission. This pricing reflects its larger size, powerful engine, and extensive feature list.
The Hyundai Creta starts at a lower entry point of around Rs 10.79 lakh ex-showroom for its petrol variants and goes up to approximately Rs 20 lakh for fully loaded turbo-petrol versions. This wide price range makes the Creta accessible to a broader audience.
Kia Seltos follows a similar approach, with petrol variants starting at about Rs 10.99 lakh ex-showroom and extending to nearly Rs 19.5 lakh for top-end trims. Its competitive pricing and sporty image continue to attract younger buyers.
Final Verdict
The arrival of the Tata Harrier petrol adds fresh excitement to the mid-size SUV market. With a powerful turbo-petrol engine, modern transmissions, and premium road presence, it presents a strong alternative to established rivals. While the Hyundai Creta focuses on versatility and reliability, and the Kia Seltos emphasizes style and performance balance, the Harrier petrol stands out for buyers seeking a larger, more robust SUV with petrol refinement. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual priorities such as performance, features, budget, and brand preference.