Tata Harrier Smart

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, how safe it is for your family, what it will cost every month to maintain, if it has the latest features, and how good the company service is. It is a lot to consider! But what if there was an SUV that ticked most of these boxes, especially if you are looking for a powerful, safe, and stylish entry into the premium SUV segment without breaking the bank? Well, today, we are going to talk all about the new Tata Harrier Smart – the entry-level variant of the much-loved Tata Harrier. Is it the smart choice for you? Let us find out!

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Tata Harrier Smart comes with the same robust engine that powers the entire Harrier lineup.

• Engine Type: 2.0L Kryotec Turbocharged Diesel Engine
• Maximum Power: 170 PS (approx. 168 bhp) @ 3750 rpm
• Peak Torque: 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed Manual (The Smart variant is typically offered with a manual gearbox. Higher variants also offer a 6-speed automatic.)

Design Overview

Even as the base model, the Harrier Smart carries the impressive design language of the new Harrier facelift.

Exterior

The new Harrier Smart looks bold and modern. It keeps the strong stance of the Harrier but adds fresh elements. You get sleek, connected LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that span across the front, giving it a distinct identity. The grille is updated, and the headlamps are positioned lower in the bumper, enhancing its SUV appeal. The side profile remains muscular, and the rear gets a new connected LED tail lamp design, making it look premium from all angles. While it might not have the fancy alloys of higher trims, its overall road presence is undeniable.

Interior

Step inside the Harrier Smart, and you will find a well-laid-out cabin. The dashboard has a clean design, focusing on practicality and ease of use. While the Smart variant might not have the largest touchscreen or premium leather seats of the top models, it provides a comfortable and spacious environment. The quality of materials used is good for the price point, and the cabin feels airy thanks to its generous dimensions.

Key Features

Being the base Smart variant, it focuses on essentials and core functionality, offering a strong foundation. While higher variants boast a lot more, here is what you can expect and what is available in the Harrier lineup generally:

• Infotainment System: Expected to be a smaller touchscreen unit (around 7-8 inches) with basic connectivity like Bluetooth and USB. (Higher variants offer 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch screens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
• Connectivity: Basic audio controls and phone connectivity.
• Climate Control: Manual AC. (Higher variants feature automatic climate control).
• Power Windows: All four power windows.
• Safety Basics: ABS with EBD, ESP, and multiple airbags (6 airbags are standard across the new Harrier range).

Driver Information Display: A digital MID providing essential vehicle information.Parking Sensors: Rear parking sensors.Other Features: LED DRLs, Halogen Projector Headlamps, Follow-me-home headlamps.

Note: Features like sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, ventilated seats, and ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) are available only in higher variants of the Tata Harrier, not in the Smart trim.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Harrier Smart?

The Tata Harrier Smart, like all Harrier variants, offers excellent ground clearance for Indian roads.

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 205 mm

What is the Boot Space of the Harrier Smart?

The Harrier offers generous boot space, making it practical for family trips and luggage.

• Boot Space: Approximately 445 Litres

What are the Dimensions of the Harrier Smart?

The Tata Harrier is a substantial SUV, offering a commanding presence on the road.

• Length: Approximately 4605 mm
• Width: Approximately 1916 mm (without mirrors)
• Height: Approximately 1718 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2741 mm

Powertrain Options

The Tata Harrier Smart, and indeed the entire Harrier range, comes with a single, powerful diesel engine option.

• Engine: 2.0L Kryotec Turbocharged Diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual (Smart variant). A 6-speed Automatic is available in higher trims.

There is currently no petrol engine option for the Tata Harrier.

Safety Features

Tata Motors has always prioritized safety, and the new Harrier Smart is no exception. It comes packed with essential safety features as standard.

• 6 Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control
• Hill Hold Control
• Corner Stability Control
• Roll Over Mitigation
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Hydraulic Brake Assist
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating Table

The new Tata Harrier has achieved outstanding safety ratings, proving its robust build and engineering.

The 2023 facelifted Tata Harrier (which includes the Smart variant) has received a 5-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection from Bharat NCAP, making it one of the safest SUVs in India.

Rivals of Tata Harrier Smart

The Tata Harrier Smart competes in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. Its key rivals include:

• Mahindra XUV700 (MX variant)
• MG Hector (Style variant)
• Hyundai Creta (E variant – top variants of Creta also compete with higher Harrier variants)
• Kia Seltos (HTE variant – top variants of Seltos also compete with higher Harrier variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (base variants)
• Its own sibling, the Tata Safari (for those needing 7 seats)

How is the Car?

Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Tata Harrier Smart.

Pros

• Unmatched Safety: With a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, it is one of the safest cars you can buy.
• Powerful Diesel Engine: The 2.0L Kryotec engine offers strong performance and good highway cruising ability.
• Solid Build Quality: The Harrier feels robust and well-put-together.
• Striking Design: It has a fantastic road presence and looks premium.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, offering a comfortable ride.
• Value for Money: As an entry-level variant, it offers the core Harrier experience at a more accessible price point.
• Spacious Cabin: Good legroom and headroom for five passengers.

Cons

• Diesel Only: No petrol engine option might be a deal-breaker for some buyers.
• Manual Gearbox Only (Smart Variant): If you prefer an automatic, you will need to look at higher variants.

Basic Features: The Smart variant misses out on many premium features like a larger touchscreen, sunroof, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, and ADAS, which are present in its higher variants or rivals.No AWD Option: Despite its SUV stance, it is a front-wheel-drive only vehicle.Heavy Clutch: Some users might find the manual gearbox clutch a bit heavy in city traffic.Service Network: While improving, Tata Motors service network experience can still be inconsistent in some regions.

Conclusion

The new Tata Harrier Smart is an excellent proposition for anyone looking to enter the premium SUV segment without stretching their budget too much. It offers the core strengths of the Harrier: powerful performance, stunning looks, a robust build, and, most importantly, a 5-star safety rating.

While the Smart variant is basic in terms of features compared to its higher siblings or even some rivals' mid-spec variants, it delivers on the essentials that matter most – safety, space, and a strong engine. If your priorities are a safe, spacious, and powerful diesel SUV with great road presence, and you are okay with basic amenities, the Tata Harrier Smart could be your ideal choice. It is a smart way to get into the Harrier family and enjoy that premium SUV feel.

Before making your final decision, we always recommend a test drive to experience the Tata Harrier Smart yourself and see if it fits your needs perfectly!