Tata Motors showcased the Buzzard (7-seater Harrier)
at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. Since then, the new model has been spied testing
on Indian roads a number of times. In a latest development, it has been
reported that the company will axe the Hexa, its current flagship, to make room
for the Tata Buzzard in its local portfolio.
It may be noted that the Hexa isn't a very old model
and was launched in January 2017. However, with the upcoming stringent BS6
norms, Hexa will have to face the axe as the 2.2-litre diesel engine that
powers it will be upgraded to BS6 standard only for commercial operations. This
clearly means that the company would pull the plug on its current flagship.
One of the reasons for this could also be the fact
that emission limits for BS6 engines for some commercial vehicle classes are
more relaxed as compared to the passenger vehicle class. Hence, it demands a
lower investment to upgrade the same engine to achieve BS6 compliance for
commercial operations. Rajendra Petkar, chief technology officer, Tata Motors,
has told Autocar India that the 2.0-litre diesel engine that currently powers
the Harrier will be capable of powering a variety of models in the company's
passenger vehicle portfolio.
Following the footsteps of the five-seater Harrier,
its longer version will be based on the OMEGA-arc, which is a derivative of
Land Rover’s D8 platform. It will have a 62mm longer rear overhang in order to
accomodate the third row of seats.
Under the hood, it will feature a 2.0-litre
Kryotec170 diesel engine that will deliver a maximum power of 170 PS and a peak
torque of 350 Nm. The motor will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as
standard and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic unit as
optional.
