Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol Launched with 1.5L Hyperion Engine

The day Indian SUV lovers have been waiting for is finally here. After years of speculation and a massive demand from enthusiasts, Tata Motors has officially launched the petrol-powered versions of its flagship SUVs, the Harrier and the Safari.

For the longest time, the only chink in the armor of these muscular SUVs was the lack of a petrol engine. That changes today. With prices starting at Rs 12.89 lakh for the Harrier and Rs 13.29 lakh for the Safari (ex-showroom), Tata is taking the fight directly to the MG Hector, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and Hyundai Alcazar.

The New Heart: 1.5L Hyperion Turbo-Petrol

The biggest headline isn't just the fuel type; it's the engine itself. Both SUVs are powered by Tata’s new 1.5-litre Hyperion T-GDI Turbo-Petrol engine.

This isn't just a re-tuned Nexon engine. It debuted with the Tata Sierra (where it makes 158 hp), but for the Harrier and Safari, Tata has turned up the wick significantly.

• Power: 170 hp
• Torque: 280 Nm
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (MT) or 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT)

 Insight: With 170 hp on tap, the petrol Harrier is now more powerful than the diesel version (167 hp), although the diesel still holds the torque advantage (350 Nm vs 280 Nm). This makes the petrol variant perfect for spirited city driving where initial pickup matters most.

Tech Overload: Samsung Screen & Vision-X IRVM

Tata hasn't just swapped the engine; they’ve loaded the cabin with tech that feels straight out of a concept car.

1. Cinematic Display

The new 36.9 cm (14.5-inch) infotainment screen is powered by Samsung NeoQLED technology. This is a massive leap in display quality, offering deeper blacks and vibrant colors, paired with immersive Dolby Atmos audio.

2. Vision-X E-IRVM

Gone are the standard mirrors. The new Vision-X E-IRVM comes with a built-in Dual Dash Cam and DVR. This is a huge safety plus for Indian roads, recording both front and rear views automatically.

3. Smart Convenience

• VisionSync Memory ORVMs: These mirrors remember your setting and auto-dip when you put the car in reverse.
• ClearView Dual Camera Washer: No more muddy feeds from your parking cameras during the monsoons.

Tata Harrier Petrol: Variants & Pricing

The Harrier petrol undercuts the diesel version by over Rs 1 lakh, making it an attractive entry point.

Tata Safari Petrol: Variants & Pricing

The Safari petrol competes in the fierce 7-seater segment. Here is how the pricing stacks up:

(Note: Prices are Ex-showroom)

Safety: The Gold Standard

Tata continues its legacy of safety. The petrol variants don't cut corners here.

• 7 Airbags (Standard across key trims)
• Level 2+ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• ABS with EBD & TPMS

Which One is Best For You?

Confused between the new Petrol and the trusted Diesel? Here is our quick buyer's guide:

Choose the Petrol if:

• City Usage: You drive mostly in the city (less than 1,500 km/month). The petrol engine will be smoother and quieter in traffic.
• Initial Budget: You want to save ~Rs 1.5 lakh upfront compared to the diesel model.
• Performance: You enjoy high-revving power (170 hp) and quick acceleration.

Choose the Diesel if:

• Highway Running: You frequently do long road trips. The diesel's higher torque (350 Nm) and better fuel efficiency are unbeatable for cruising.
• Heavy Load: You often drive with a full load of 7 passengers (for Safari). The diesel torque manages weight better.

Comparison with Rivals

The SUV segment is crowded, and the Harrier/Safari twins have their work cut out for them.

• Harrier Rivals: MG Hector, Mahindra XUV 7XO (5-Seater), Hyundai Creta (Higher variants).
• Safari Rivals: Mahindra XUV 7XO (7-Seater), Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus.

While the Mahindra XUV 7XO offers a more powerful 2.0L petrol engine (200 hp), the Harrier/Safari twins counter with superior ride quality and the new tech features like the NeoQLED screen and E-IRVM.

Final Verdict

The launch of the petrol Harrier and Safari is a masterstroke by Tata Motors. It lowers the entry price significantly, making these premium SUVs accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, the addition of futuristic tech like the Samsung display proves Tata isn't just playing catch-up—they are setting new benchmarks.

Author: Neha Mehlawat

Neha Mehlawat is an automotive journalist and industry analyst with 10+ years of experience covering cars, bikes, and mobility trends. She tracks the latest launches, technology upgrades, and policy changes in the auto sector, delivering sharp insights that help readers stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of automobiles.