Toyota Fortuner and Kia Seltos ‘tremble like a civet’ because hard opponents are about to launch new versions at the same time

Tata Motors is working on new electric vehicles for the Indian market. In addition, the automaker will also update and add new versions to its existing product range. Tata Motors recently launched the Tata Safari Gold Edition along with the micro SUV – Tata Punch and received a positive response from customers.

Tata Motors is also testing new variants of the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari before officially introducing them to the market in the near future. The latest spy images show that the prototypes of these two popular SUVs are well camouflaged. With an appearance that looks identical to Tata’s current models, it can be expected that this is not a mid-life upgrade (facelift) but a new version that adds to the existing product range. According to Indian media, this could be the new petrol variant of the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari.

Currently, Tata Harrier rivals Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross or Tata Safari rivals Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe are offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. Meanwhile, Tata’s two SUV models miss a number of potential customers looking to buy gasoline-powered SUVs. The Harrier twins are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine, sourced from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This engine is also used in the MG Hector and Jeep Compass with the ability to produce 168 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter.

It is reported that Tata Motors is working on a new 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic transmission options. This could be a larger 4-cylinder version of the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Tata Nexon compact SUV.

Other reports suggest that Tata Motors is getting ready for a 1.6L petrol engine. The gasoline engine will be a direct fuel injection (DI) type, with more power, more efficiency and less emissions than the MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) engine. This will be Tata Motors’ first direct injection unit. This new engine is expected to produce around 160 hp and nearly 250 Nm of torque. The new petrol-powered models will likely come with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters with automatic transmissions.