Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol Finally Here! 1.5L Turbo-Petrol Engine Could Change Everything

Finally, Tata Motors has done what enthusiasts have been waiting for over the last two years. Yes, the Tata Harrier petrol and Safari petrol versions are now officially confirmed, and both SUVs will come with Tata’s brand-new 1.5-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine. This is the same engine that was teased back at Auto Expo 2023 only now, the story is complete.
 

New heart, same body but can it be trusted?

Let’s be honest, the Harrier and Safari diesels have always been rock solid. The 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel has won hearts for its strong mid-range and highway punch. But not everyone wants a diesel especially city folks who prefer refinement and ease of use. That’s exactly the crowd Tata is now eyeing with this turbo-petrol engine.

The company claims this 1.5-litre T-GDI motor makes around 170 PS and 280 Nm. Sounds great on paper, sure. But I’m a bit skeptical because I still remember when the Nexon EV launched, the “real world” numbers didn’t quite match the brochure claims. My only worry is that the Harrier petrol doesn’t end up being just another spec sheet hero.

A little flashback when I drove the old Safari Revotron

Back in 2016, I had driven the Safari Storme Revotron petrol. Not a bad engine, but the tuning was… odd. High revs were exciting, but the low-end felt dead. I remember thinking Tata really needs a proper turbo-petrol. And now, here it is. My only hope is that this new one is tuned better and doesn’t repeat the same rookie mistakes.

All eyes will be on gearbox and drive feel

Tata is likely pairing this engine with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. And trust me, that’s where the whole game will be decided. Because a heavy SUV like the Harrier needs smooth, responsive gear shifts. If the DCT turns out to be laggy or jerky in city traffic, it’ll ruin the whole experience — and buyers won’t forgive that easily.

Launch timeline and Tata’s market strategy

From what I’ve heard, both the Tata Harrier and Safari petrol versions are set to hit showrooms by mid-2025. Production models are already in final testing. Expect pricing to undercut the diesel variants by around ₹1.5–2 lakh directly targeting the Hyundai Creta 1.5 Turbo and MG Hector petrol. Smart move, honestly.

And here’s the thing Tata clearly doesn’t want to remain a diesel-only brand anymore. With the Nexon and Punch EVs doing well, this petrol Harrier launch is a strategic image shift. But convincing petrol buyers won’t be easy, especially when rivals like Hyundai and Kia already have polished turbo setups.

A quick dealer chat and a big hint

Just last month, I spoke to a Tata dealer in Pune. He said, “Sir, the petrol Harrier test unit is here, but the company has restricted drives.” The moment he said that, I knew the launch was close. When Tata starts hiding prototypes, it means the final game is almost ready.

Real talk will this gamble pay off?

Let’s face it, this move is both risky and necessary for Tata. Risky because balancing power, refinement, and efficiency in a petrol SUV is tough. Necessary because the diesel future looks uncertain. If this 1.5 T-GDI engine turns out to be refined, punchy, and reliable Tata could completely redefine its image. But if tuning or gearbox issues crop up, it’ll be just another hype story that fades away.

Personally, I think Tata’s improved a lot in the last couple of years when it comes to quality control. So I’m cautiously optimistic. Still, only real-world drives will tell the full story.

Data Insight: Currently, around 58% of mid-size SUV buyers in India prefer petrol variants — and Tata wants a slice of that market, no matter what it takes.

Verdict Should you wait or move on?

Honestly, yes it’s worth waiting for. Especially if you love Tata’s tank-like build quality and safety but don’t want a diesel. The Harrier and Safari already nail it in looks, comfort, and road presence. If this petrol engine truly delivers smooth performance, the segment dynamics could change overnight.

Just one tip before booking, take a proper test drive and pay attention to gearbox behavior. Tata’s calling it a “game changer,” but we’ll see soon whether it actually changes the game or just plays along.