• “Tata Motors’ Harrier SUV undergoes rigorous testing in Spain, hinting at exciting upgrades and enhanced performance.”
• “Powerful diesel engine confirmed for upcoming Harrier and Safari models, solidifying their dominance in the SUV segment.”

Tata Motors’ upcoming Harrier SUV has been caught testing in Spain, ahead of its scheduled launch in India. The Harrier that was spotted is the one that is already on sale in India, not the facelifted version that will be released in the coming months.

This Harrier test mule was shipped from India to Spain by Vitesco, which supplies the carmaker with a variety of automotive components. The vehicle under test is powered by a BS6 Phase 2 compliant 2.0-litre Stellantis Multijet diesel engine.

According to our sources, various sensors relevant to emissions regulations were tested on the Harrier to see how it performed on the WLTP testing cycle, as well as possibly against more severe emission norms. This, however, does not confirm or imply the brand’s intention to sell the Harrier in Europe.

These testing on the Harrier could have just been carried out to prepare the SUV for the next set of emissions rules in India, which could be stricter than the new BS6 Phase 2 regulations.

According to Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, the Harrier and its three-row sibling, the Safari, are expected to continue with diesel powertrains for some time because diesel is still quite dominant in this segment, and CNG would be “a segment too far” for these SUVs.

The Harrier and Safari are currently undergoing mid-life modifications, which will include considerable visual changes on the outside, a new interior, and more technology. The upgraded Harrier and Safari are expected to go into production next month.