AWD for next-gen Tata Harrier, Safari | Report

A new platform will underpin the next-gen Harrier and Safari.

Homegrown auto major Tata Motors is reportedly developing the next-generation versions of its popular SUVs, the Harrier and the Safari, which will be based on a new platform and arrive with all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability.

At present, the Harrier and the Safari are based on the OMEGA (optimal modular efficient global advanced) architecture, which has been derived from Land Rover's D8 platform. The two SUVs are front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.

The new generation Harrier and Safari, codenamed Taurus and Leo, respectively, will be based on a new platform, which will be capable of spawning internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) versions with AWD capability, according to a report by Autocar India.

Tata recently launched the Harrier.ev in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and AWD configurations. However, the Harrier.ev's platform has been reworked heavily to allow for AWD capability.

The next-generation Harrier and Safari are likely to use Tata's upcoming 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. They will also have the option of a new 2.0-litre diesel motor. Their electric avatars will have an upgraded version of the current Harrier.ev powertrains.

Both SUVs currently employ the same Kryotec 2.0-litre diesel engine, which develops 170 PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque. The transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic torque converter.

Last month, Tata announced that it will introduce seven new nameplates and 23 product refreshes by FY30. Among the additional nameplates will be the Sierra, the Avinya range, ICE Product A, ICE Product B, EV Product X and EV Product Y.

The company's passenger vehicle (PV) line-up currently includes the Tiago, Tigor, Altroz, Punch, Nexon, Curvv, Harrier and Safari. The Tiago, Tigor, Punch, Nexon, Curvv and Harrier also have their respective EV versions.