Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024: Tata Motors showcases lineup of concepts and upcoming cars

Tata Safari Red Dark Edition
We start off with the basic special edition SUVs. The Tata Safari 7-seater gets a new Red Dark Edition which, as you may have guessed, darkens the SUV’s theme. The Safari is wrapped in an all-black paint theme including the grille, bumpers, skid plates and alloys. At the front, the Tata logo is the single silver element while the main headlamp cluster has a red accent line. Over on the side, the contrasting red splash continues in the form of the Safari lettering and brake calipers while at the back, the Safari badge is red again. The black and red theme continues on the inside with a darkened dashboard and headliner. Grab handles around the centre console as well as the door handles are red now to add contrast. And finally, all the upholstery is finished in the red colour scheme. Powering the Tata Safari Red Dark Edition is the same 2-litre diesel engine seen in other variants. This produces 170hp of maximum power and 35Nm of peak torque. This is then paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. And while the standard Safaris cost from Rs 16.19 lakh to Rs 27.34 lakh, the Red Dark Edition will carry a premium over these but will only be available in the higher trims.

Nexon EV Dark
The next special edition comes in the form of the Tata Nexon EV Dark. Again, there aren’t going to be any changes to the powertrain, but it will be offered in just the long-range version. This variant gets a 40.5 kWh battery pack capable of an ARAI-certified claimed range of about 465km on a single charge, powering an electric motor generating a maximum of 14hp and a peak torque figure of 215Nm. Like the Safari, the Nexon also gets the black treatment all around, including the grille, bumpers and alloys. Unlike the Safari, however, there are no red contrasting elements. The interiors have been darkened as well with a new blacked-out dashboard, black leatherette seats and ‘Dark’ embossed on the headrests. The Nexon EV Dark Edition will be offered in the top-spec variant so it will have features like the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charger, keyless entry, cruise control and rear AC vents. Prices for the Tata Nexon EV Dark Edition should start at around the Rs 19-20-lakh mark.

Tata Nexon CNG
Tata Motors also unveiled the Nexon CNG concept, the key highlight of which is the introduction of a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a factory-fitted CNG kit. This engine delivers 120hp of power and 170Nm of torque, and while the initial offering is expected to have a manual transmission, an automatic option may be introduced later. Tata's twin CNG cylinder technology allows for a practical boot space of 230 litres despite the alternative fuel configuration. Comfort and technology are not expected to be compromised. The Nexon CNG will boast a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, wireless phone charging, cruise control and keyless entry with push-button start/stop. Safety is catered to with features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system. As for pricing, the Nexon CNG is expected to start from Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom). This positions it as a direct competitor to CNG variants of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, as well as ICE-powered variants of popular models like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300 and Nissan Magnite.

Tata Altroz Racer
One of the bigger draws at the Bharat Mobility show is the Altroz Racer Edition. The hot hatch made its debut at Auto Expo 2023 but has now received minor updates for the new expo. The Altroz Racer Edition maintains a resemblance to the standard Altroz in the front but stands out with a black hood adorned with white stripes, accompanied by a dual-tone exterior shade giving it truly racing-inspired styling. The profile showcases new blacked-out multi-spoke alloy wheels, differing from the design presented at Auto Expo 2023. At the rear, the car features split LED tail lamps separated by a black trim and a larger spoiler compared to the standard Altroz. While detailed interior insights were not provided at the expo, the model showcased earlier boasted an all-black interior with red inserts along the dashboard and centre console, accentuating its sporty appeal. Powering the Altroz Racer Edition is the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine sourced from the Nexon, delivering 120hp of power and 170Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, with an automatic transmission option also in the offing. The Altroz Racer Edition is anticipated to be priced between Rs 9.09 lakh and Rs 9.63 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it as a premium variant compared to the Altroz turbo models. Upon launch, it will directly compete with the Hyundai i20 N Line, showcasing Tata Motors' commitment to offering diverse options across segments.

Tata Curvv
The Tata Curvv is one of the most anticipated models out of the Tata lineup and while a full launch is just around the corner, Tata has taken the opportunity to showcase the SUV nonetheless. The front design of the Curvv bears resemblance to Tata’s newest SUVs, incorporating connected LED DRLs from the Nexon EV and drawing inspiration for inserts and housing from the Harrier and Safari SUVs. A silver skid plate contrasts with piano black elements. In profile, the Curvv stands out with its coupe-esque roofline and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. The inclusion of piano black cladding elements and the possibility of segment-first flush door handles give it a bold stance even when viewed from this angle. The SUV's stance reveals a high rake in its unloaded position, possibly designed to accommodate rear passengers and luggage effectively. The rear design features an upright style, with a windshield flowing into the trunk, a glossy piano-black roof spoiler, and full-width horizontal LED taillights with welcome and goodbye animations. Inside, the Curvv boasts a Nexon-like dashboard design dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system. The steering wheel, borrowed from the facelifted Harrier, and touch-sensitive climate controls contribute to a modern and feature-rich interior. The Tata Curvv ICE model is expected to launch later this year, with a price starting around the Rs 11-lakh mark. An electric variant is also on the horizon and should follow soon after.

Harrier EV
And finally, the biggest unveil at the Tata Motors stand was that of the all-electric version of its popular Harrier SUV. The Tata Harrier EV Concept shares most of its design elements with its ICE counterpart but introduces distinctive features that highlight its electric nature. Key highlights of the Tata Harrier EV Concept include a blanked-off front grille, a redesigned front bumper with vertical slats, aero-designed alloy wheels, and a revised rear profile. The SUV maintains its robust appearance with a full-width LED light bar running across the face and tailgate. Underpinned by the recently introduced Activ.EV platform, the Harrier EV distinguishes itself from its ICE sibling with an AWD or all-wheel-drive configuration. It is expected to feature a larger and more efficient battery pack than the Nexon EV, providing a claimed range of over 500 km on a single charge. The interior of the Harrier EV closely resembles the ICE model but benefits from the new ground-up EV platform, offering a more spacious cabin. The electric Harrier is anticipated to be loaded with features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system featuring Arcade EV tech, a digital instrument cluster with navigation support, a twin-spoke steering wheel, a 360-degree surround camera, Level 2 ADAS suite, and a revised centre console with AWD controls. Expect a price tag in the Rs 22 lakh to Rs 25 lakh range.