A camouflaged Tata Harrier prototype has been spotted on the streets of Mumbai, sparking fresh speculation among enthusiasts and industry watchers. Currently, the Harrier lineup comprises a diesel-powered model and the recently introduced Harrier EV, which debuted earlier this year.
However, the sighting of this heavily covered test mule has stirred questions — could Tata Motors be testing a petrol-powered Harrier or perhaps an updated Harrier EV prototype? Let’s decode what this latest development might mean for Tata’s flagship SUV lineup in 2025.
The Harrier Legacy: Tata’s SUV Success Story
Since its launch in 2019, the Tata Harrier has become one of India’s most recognizable and successful premium SUVs. Built on the OmegaArc platform, derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture, it combines muscular styling with robust performance.
Over the years, the Harrier has evolved — first with a BS6-compliant diesel engine, then with an ADAS-equipped facelift, and most recently, with the Harrier EV, expanding Tata’s electric portfolio alongside the Nexon EV and Punch EV.
But one key element has remained absent from the lineup — a petrol powertrain. This gap may now be closer to being filled.
The Mumbai Test Mule: What We Know So Far
The spotted Harrier was heavily camouflaged, concealing most of its design details. Yet, certain visual cues stood out to automotive observers:
- The overall silhouette remains identical to the current Harrier facelift.
- Alloy wheel design appeared similar to the Harrier EV version.
- A battery pack outline was faintly visible beneath the underbody — suggesting it could still be an EV test unit.
- Exhaust tips were not visible, making it difficult to confirm a petrol setup.
Despite these clues, the vehicle’s test activity in Mumbai’s dense traffic corridors suggests either long-term validation of the Harrier EV or benchmark testing for a future variant — possibly a petrol hybrid or flex-fuel prototype.
Could This Be the Long-Awaited Harrier Petrol?
Industry insiders have long hinted that Tata Motors was developing a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, internally codenamed “TwinAir GDi,” for larger models such as the Harrier and Safari.
The motor was first showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo, boasting:
- Displacement: 1.5 litres, 4-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol
- Power Output: Around 170 bhp
- Torque: Estimated 280 Nm
- Transmission Options: 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT
If this new Harrier test mule indeed features that engine, it would mark Tata’s entry into the premium petrol SUV segment, competing directly with models like the Hyundai Creta 1.5 Turbo, Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo, and MG Hector 1.5 Turbo.
Why Petrol Matters for Tata Motors
- Wider Market Reach: Many urban buyers still prefer petrol for refinement and lower maintenance.
- Export Readiness: A petrol Harrier would open opportunities in global markets with stricter emission norms.
- Lower NVH Levels: Turbo-petrol engines deliver smoother operation compared to diesel.
- Price Band Flexibility: Petrol variants can help Tata offer a more accessible starting price point.
If launched, the Harrier Petrol could significantly expand Tata’s footprint in the ₹17–25 lakh SUV segment.
But Could It Still Be the Harrier EV Undergoing Post-Launch Testing?
Another possibility is that this prototype represents a Harrier EV validation vehicle. Tata Motors, known for its extensive real-world durability testing, often continues to run long-term tests on early production EVs even after official launch.
Supporting Clues:
- The visible battery pack beneath the chassis points toward EV underpinnings.
- Tata’s Mumbai test route includes thermal management trials and BMS software validation.
- Manufacturers typically monitor energy efficiency, charging behavior, and motor calibration in different climate conditions post-launch.
Hence, the sighted prototype could be part of Tata’s ongoing efforts to optimize software updates, performance tuning, or charging algorithms before rolling them out to customers through OTA updates.
A Quick Recap of the Tata Harrier EV Specifications
The Tata Harrier EV, launched earlier in 2025, is one of the brand’s most advanced models under its Gen-2 EV architecture (Acti.ev platform).
Key Highlights:
- Battery Options: 65 kWh and 75 kWh
- Range: 538 km (RWD) to 627 km (AWD)
- Powertrain: Single or dual motor setups
- Output: Up to 320 hp (AWD variant)
- Charging: 10–80% in 50 minutes (DC Fast Charger)
- Price Range: ₹21.49 lakh – ₹30.23 lakh (ex-showroom)
In terms of safety, the Harrier EV is expected to carry forward ADAS Level 2, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and six airbags — reaffirming Tata’s commitment to premium EV engineering.
Testing for Quality and Reliability — Tata’s Signature Move
Tata Motors has built a reputation for rigorous vehicle validation. The brand typically conducts extended field testing for up to 12 months post-launch, gathering telemetry and feedback data to identify:
- Battery degradation rates
- Real-world efficiency metrics
- Component wear under Indian road conditions
- Climate impact on charging and cooling systems
This approach allows Tata to refine its products continuously, ensuring long-term durability and high customer satisfaction.
The Growing Harrier Family: Diesel, EV, and Possibly Petrol
As of now, the Harrier family comprises:
- Harrier Diesel (ICE): 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel with 6MT/6AT options
- Harrier EV: Pure electric with 65–75 kWh batteries
- Potential Harrier Petrol: Turbo-petrol engine in testing phase
If confirmed, this diversification will make the Harrier lineup one of the most comprehensive SUV offerings in India, covering diesel, electric, and petrol segments — a rare feat even among global automakers.
Competition Outlook: Where Harrier Petrol Will Stand
Should Tata introduce a Harrier Petrol variant, it will directly rival:
- Hyundai Creta 1.5 Turbo GDi (160 hp)
- Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo (160 hp)
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Petrol (143 hp)
- Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI (150 hp)
Given Tata’s strong brand recall and solid build quality, the Harrier Petrol could disrupt the segment with higher power figures and competitive pricing — potentially starting around ₹17.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Customer Benefits: What to Expect
Whether this test mule turns out to be the Harrier Petrol or updated EV, customers stand to gain from Tata’s engineering upgrades.
If Petrol:
- Smoother performance and reduced vibrations
- Lower upfront cost than the diesel version
- Sportier acceleration for city and highway driving
If EV Validation:
- Better real-world efficiency post-updates
- Improved battery management and cooling systems
- Enhanced OTA-based software experience
Either way, Tata’s move signals its intent to keep the Harrier platform relevant, adaptable, and future-proof.
Conclusion: Harrier’s Evolution Story Continues
The spotted Tata Harrier test mule underscores the brand’s continuous focus on innovation. Whether it’s an internal validation EV prototype or an upcoming petrol-powered version, Tata Motors is clearly pushing to diversify and modernize its SUV portfolio.
For now, enthusiasts will have to wait for an official confirmation, but one thing is certain — the Harrier story is far from over. If the petrol version does make it to production, it could redefine Tata’s position in India’s premium SUV space.
