Tata Motors is also preparing to introduce the new 1.5L tGDi petrol version in the Tata Harrier, Safari, and future Sierra SUVs by March 2026. Understand performance, specifications, features and launch of new petrol-powered Tata SUVs.
Tata Motors is also poised to make a big comeback in petrol SUV market with launching 1.5-litre tGDi petrol engine. Initial debut of this engine at the 2023 Auto Expo will be used in Tata flagships, Harrier, Safari, and the upcoming Sierra. The latest reports indicate that the new petrol engine will actually be introduced by March 2026.
New 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine- Power Meets Efficiency
The next generation 1.5-litre four-cylinder tGDi engine should generate 168 bhp of power and 280 Nm of torque. Tata also intends to provide the engine in various states of tune based on the model and variant to provide the best blend of performance and fuel economy.
Probably, both a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox and a 6-speed manual transmission will be available, which will add a more sophisticated and lively driving experience to the Tata SUV range.
Harrier, Safari and Sierra will be Petrol-powered.
At the moment both Tata Harrier and Safari are driven with only 2.0 litre diesel engine supplied by Fiat, producing 168 bhp and 350 Nm. Although this engine can perform and is power-packed, the inability to have a petrol option has found Tata at a disadvantage over its competitors, such as Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV700, and MG Hector, which also have a petrol version.
As Tata Motors looks forward to introduce Tata Harrier and Safari petrol engine models, the company will attempt to bridge this divide and address the trend of increasing popularity of petrol-powered SUVs.
Why Tata Is Switching To Petrol Engines?
The petrol engines are gaining popularity in India with the tighter emission standards and shift in the preferences of buyers. It is also noted that petrol engines have a smoother operation, lower maintenance, and lower emissions as compared to diesel engines. Moreover, they do not have problems with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) so it is not as difficult to maintain them in the long-run.
Estimated Cost and Release date.
As the 1.5L turbo petrol engine is made in-house by Tata Motors, the petrol versions of the Harrier and the Safari would be priced approximately one lakh less than the diesel versions. This engine will also provide the new Tata Sierra with a good entry into the midsize SUV market.
It has also been reported that Tata is working on a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, presumably the same tGDi unit, which will drive entry-level Sierra models.
Key Highlights
Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder tGDi petrol.
Power Output: 168 bhp / 280 Nm torque
Transmission: 7-speed DCT and 6-speed manual.
Launch Timeline: By March 2026
Models: Sierra, Safari, Harrier.
Anticipated Price: Approximately 1 lakh lower than diesel versions.
The launch of Tata Harrier and Safari petrol engine is an important move towards Tata Motors launching more SUVs and attracting more customers. Having a strong motor of turbo-petrol, high quality interiors and reasonable prices, the future SUVs of Tata are going to offer challenge to the leaders on the segment.
