Tata Harrier (H5X): All-New SUV From Tata Motors

[vikyjoshi]

So after the dust settled what we have is the Tata's 5 seater Premium SUV without required features like AT & 4WD.
4WD is not must have option but AT(?), that is the most IMP aspect of buying SUV like H A R R I E R (which is bigger than XUV5OO) in big cities.
Bit of disappointment for me as no Automatic is available. I hope many will still buy it with what it have. It's funny to see not a single comment from any TAI user that I want to buy #UnsafeXUV5OO after pricing is disclosed.
I feel like suddenly #UnsafeXUV5OO became VFM after the launch of H A R R I E R. Here I am trying to think the way what AAM JANATA will think. They will look for more features in #UnsafeXUV5OO where H A R R I E R will loose on features like Powered Driver Seat, Automatic Gearbox and Sunroof etc.

With current GA-GA going with #UnsafeXUV5OO Airbag issue I started hating Mahindra but our AAM JANATA don't know anything about it which gives upper hand to #UnsafeXUV5OO over properly designed H A R R I E R.

For me few questions are still unanswered, Why a big company like TML can't produce their own engines? Why they cannot find a good Automatic Gearbox for H A R R I E R? When TML will learn from their mistakes?

Let’s hope H A R R I E R will collect good sales after launch and KUDOS to TML for again producing same as Concept model for production version.

Sorry for OT:

Well we Indians are really funny, and we have our first impression as our last impression for any particular thing be it automotive, or any thing. we have categorized Tata motors as truck maker and will continue to have that for time immortal. Even now when when I have spoken to some highly educated people, who have masters in business, etc, they still consider Tata as a truck maker. Suzuki aka Maruti is trusted name and buying a Maruti car without blinking eye is the norm. Peace of mind is Maruti and Toyota, Honda and Hyundai.
tata = truck, burning nano, and indica. People resist to go beyond.

With regards to XUV, yeah, they have goofed up with Airbags, but then the initial impression is pretty good. So I won't be surprised people would go for XUV. Good thing about M&M is that, they learn from their mistakes faster. So probably the airbag issue must be on their top priority.

Coming to Harrier:
There should be sizable customer base who would want to go for manual variants and Tatas would cater to them, Absence of AT from day 1 if feel is kind of blessing in disguise for them. They cannot fit the existing Autobox (ZF used on Hexa) on the Kryotec engine, so extensive testing of the same has to be done for a newer one. The omega architecture did not fit with the current varicore engine, so the need for newer engine, Newer engine meant newer Autobox and gearbox. implies more testing. Yet they have launched this all new vehicle from concept to production in 12 months. That is commendable.

If some one argues, Hey this is existing platform, what is taking taking time, then I would want to say, existing platform would use existing engines and gearboxes from Landrovers, what would the cost be then?

So I am happy that they have launched the manuals ones with extensive testing so I can be pretty sure you won't have any major issues with a new car. So record of Tata from days of Zest, Storme, Bolt, Tiago, Hexa, Tigor, and nexon would be intact, even the first batch of car would not have any issues. Let them test this new Autobox for good time ( I am sure they must have already begun testing) and then bring Autobox in say few months down the line. Till then initial batches of Harrier would be in market.

But what I don't understand is where is the so called configurator they were going to provide with Harrier? I thought that would have been a thing to look out for.

 

[sharmamani83]

I was checking the XUV500 W11 specifications (closest to Harrier when Safety + features are considered).
W11 offers additional Sunroof, 2 seats, power adjustable driver seat, all wheels disc brakes, TPMS and that at approx. 20L onroad. If Harrier is 21L with given features, XUV becomes real value for money.

 

[jagrover]

Found this news published some time back.
Jaguar Land Rover to set up manufacturing line for engines at Pune plant

If this becomes a reality, only then the Harrier woes will get eliminated. LR platform + JLR Engine + ZF Transmission + AWD with Terrain Response. The reason raised behind no AT and no AWD was, LR Platform + FCA engine cannot house AWD mechanicals, FCA DCT gearbox cannot handle much of Harrier load.
Tata Harrier: 5 development secrets

It is really sad that such a competent product is let down by these things. Only way to get the mojo back is to price it very low compared to competition and hike the same in regular intervals.

 

[acechip]

As many others have commented, not having an AT option at-all at the launch is quite disappointing from TML Now, where does it stand amongst its competitors?
1)In terms of power and torque, XUV is equal or better.
2) In terms of safety features, Creta, XUV, Compass are all right there. Heck, the Harrier doesn't even seem to have all-disc brakes!!
3)In terms of cabin space, XUV is a rival, in terms of boot space, the Harrier is actually lesser than a Duster !

Now what exactly is the USP of a Harrier for an assumed price of 16-20 lacs? There doesn't seem to be one, unless you look at the fancy 8in touchscreen or that TFT display.
I think TML took their own sweet time and got obsessed with the product's visual design over functionality. They should have made it practical from the beginning, concentrated a bit less on the curves and swoops, searched for the right engine-gearbox combo (particularly AT and AWD) and then wrapped the cabin around this basic capability. I feel this particular model has been launched to test the waters, and TML will surely have to get a version 2.0 by 2020.
Meanwhile, Jeep should now launch the Compass diesel AT. That will make things interesting indeed !

 

[acechip]

Blunder in official site. See what is mentioned there..!!
View attachment 251727

Not surprised. These days, the front-end (sales/marketing) folks seem to be on a rush of their own. I had pointed out some blunders during the launch of another car where they confused width of the car with the wheelbase, in full view of the audience.

 

[Letgo]

From Twitter

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1070056167945187330

 

[acechip]

I really wonder who will buy the base XE variant as it seems to have absolutely nothing in it! You may have to spend a lac or two to get some decent equipment inside, might as well buy the XT version.

 

[jagrover]

Not surprised. These days, the front-end (sales/marketing) folks seem to be on a rush of their own. I had pointed out some blunders during the launch of another car where they confused width of the car with the wheelbase, in full view of the audience.

Now this is rectified.

 

[jagrover]

People will anyway complaint for some thing or the other it seems. If Harrier was only available with AT, people will scream for a good MT for those enthusiasts

 

[Nanofreak]

I really wonder who will buy the base XE variant as it seems to have absolutely nothing in it! You may have to spend a lac or two to get some decent equipment inside, might as well buy the XT version.

I will, but for the single white colour ofcourse a roof wrap in copper or orange

What comes as OE
Tata Harrier XE

• Dual airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Parking sensors
• Speed sensitive door locks
• Seatbelt reminder
• Central locking
• Projector headlamps
• LED DRLs
• LED tail-lamps
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Power adjustable wing mirrors
• 4-inch MID
• Manual AC
• Four-way adjustable driver’s seat
• Puddle lamps
• Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
• Rear AC vents
• Power windows
• (Just get a decent floating touchscreen HU with speakers)
• (For an OTR price of 13/14k, i would give an arm and leg)

 

[jagrover]

Now ball is in Tata's court. They have to decide whether this should be a mediocre success or a bumper hit with the pricing from day 1 itself. With the investment for new manufacturing line exclusively for Harrier in Pune plant, let the Harriers roll out of the line as swiftly as possible, then hike the price and launch the AT after enough round of testing. A mouth watering price will help TML to silence the critics and get attention of Creta/XUV/Compass enthusiasts.

 

[SilverEyez]

Harrier is making a lot of noises in the car market, thanks to the excitement generated due to innovative marketing by Tata Motors.
Its a stunning car and has all the bells and whistles along with segment 1st features,
but i found few things missing
#1 SUNROOF
#2 PETROL ENGINE
#3 AUTOMATIC
why would such a beautiful car miss on these features,especially #1 & #3

 

[jagrover]

Harrier is making a lot of noises in the car market, thanks to the excitement generated due to innovative marketing by Tata Motors.
Its a stunning car and has all the bells and whistles along with segment 1st features,
but i found few things missing
#1 SUNROOF
#2 PETROL ENGINE
#3 AUTOMATIC
why would such a beautiful car miss on these features,especially #1 & #3

Tata Motors is against factory fitted sunroof. Only dealer level encouraged. Pun intended
Tata Motors is not yet ready with the AT variant. It will surely come with the leaked Hyundai 6 speed AT but not at the time of launch.

 

[NM9488]

Sorry for OT:
Well we Indians are really funny, and we have our first impression as our last impression for any particular thing be it automotive, or any thing. we have categorized Tata motors as truck maker and will continue to have that for time immortal. Even now when when I have spoken to some highly educated people, who have masters in business, etc, they still consider Tata as a truck maker. Suzuki aka Maruti is trusted name and buying a Maruti car without blinking eye is the norm. Peace of mind is Maruti and Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. tata = truck, burning nano, and indica. People resist to go beyond.

Yes problem is with our mentality but no issue with silly tactics from Manufacturer. Frankly you are right, but only till some extent. I will take example of Indian car manufacturer, Mahindra & MSIL.
Mahindra was a Jeep maker who steadily changed their image by producing SCORPIO to XUV5OO where MSIL who used to sell cheap priced hatchbacks are now selling sedans to premium hatchbacks but they kept the prices under control. That is why MSIL is on top on selling cars in India despite the fact of their vehicles called as Tin Can.
Now our TML had Safari when I was a child & that was a costliest vehicle made by Indian Car Company. So TML had that head start in premium segment but later they lost their credibility with bad sales & support and issues & problems in their vehicle. They almost slept for a decade and now they are back in the game but with vehicles with a price tag of vehicle’s which are already ruling the market.
Tell me how that’s going to work?? Look at the sales of HEXA from the month it was launched till Nov 18, it shows what gone wrong.

With regards to XUV, yeah, they have goofed up with Airbags, but then the initial impression is pretty good. So I won't be surprised people would go for XUV. Good thing about M&M is that, they learn from their mistakes faster. So probably the airbag issue must be on their top priority. .

NO! Mahindra is doing nothing. I am closely monitoring that thread and I can see they are doing nothing coz they know one customer can’t hit them badly. This is why a childhood Mahindra Fan like me & my elder brother started hating them!!!

Coming to Harrier:
There should be sizable customer base who would want to go for manual variants and Tatas would cater to them, Absence of AT from day 1 if feel is kind of blessing in disguise for them. They cannot fit the existing Autobox (ZF used on Hexa) on the Kryotec engine, so extensive testing of the same has to be done for a newer one. The omega architecture did not fit with the current varicore engine, so the need for newer engine, Newer engine meant newer Autobox and gearbox. implies more testing. Yet they have launched this all new vehicle from concept to production in 12 months. That is commendable.
If some one argues, Hey this is existing platform, what is taking taking time, then I would want to say, existing platform would use existing engines and gearboxes from Landrovers, what would the cost be then?
So I am happy that they have launched the manuals ones with extensive testing so I can be pretty sure you won't have any major issues with a new car. So record of Tata from days of Zest, Storme, Bolt, Tiago, Hexa, Tigor, and nexon would be intact, even the first batch of car would not have any issues. Let them test this new Autobox for good time ( I am sure they must have already begun testing) and then bring Autobox in say few months down the line. Till then initial batches of Harrier would be in market.
But what I don't understand is where is the so called configurator they were going to provide with Harrier? I thought that would have been a thing to look out for.

I agree, H A R R I E R is a heck of vehicle TML has designed. That is why I write H A R R I E R in different way. Almost 80% of the concept vehicle came to Production. Never saw any other manufacturer doing this. Production models are way different than concept one.
I am not saying H A R R I E R will be a flop product from day one but if manual H A R R I E R can get 1500 sales a month, adding AT will take it to 1800 at least. What’s wrong in getting more sales? Go fully prepared for the exam & success will be yours. TML should go with this attitude and that’s what I am saying.
One thing I would like to mention that is I saw some thread TML was testing this platform under badging of Q501 from 2-3 years. Correct me if I am wrong.
Anyways I will be more than happy to see H A R R I E R getting good success as it’s a looker and we Indians love such designs…Success of XUV5OO is the best example!!

 

[Nanofreak]

Thinking out of the box, just like Hyundai introduced the 1.4L Creta engine in the Verna, if the AT is taking time down the line, Harrier can be introduced with Nexon's 1.5L with AMT in the lower and middle level to take on the competition, and price it close to 10L.

What else to expect from a Tata Fan Boy.