3 Hybrid SUVs From Tata Motors: What To Expect
Tata is currently one of the leading SUV manufacturers in the country, and it is expanding not just its ICE lineup but also its EV range. Just like most brands, Tata is also experimenting with its models, and after ICE and EVs, it looks like the company has plans to enter the hybrid segment. Here, we have a list of three Tata SUVs that are likely to get a strong hybrid powertrain soon.
Tata has been working on a new petrol engine for quite some time. We saw this engine debut with the all-new Sierra. At the time of the unveiling, Tata mentioned that it is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. Tata has actually been smart in developing this engine. The Atkinson-cycle petrol engine would make things easier for Tata when it decides to introduce this technology in its existing models.
The first SUV on this list is the Sierra. Tata’s latest and much-awaited product this year has finally started being spotted on the roads. Tata has confirmed that it is currently evaluating hybrid technology for SUVs that are above 4 metres in length.
The Sierra already comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, and it could be one of the first SUVs to get this technology. It would feature a strong hybrid system similar to what we see in models like the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, Grand Vitara, or even the Toyota Hyryder.
The Tata Sierra has been receiving some criticism for its expected fuel efficiency, and introducing hybrid technology could help address this concern, as hybrid systems are known for being more fuel-efficient.
Tata also introduced the Hyperion turbo-petrol engine in the Safari recently, and the same engine is expected to be offered in the Sierra as well. The naturally aspirated petrol engine mentioned earlier is currently not available with the Harrier. However, if Tata plans to introduce hybrid technology, it might bring this engine option to the Harrier too.
While exact power and torque figures are not available yet, they are expected to be in a similar range to the turbo-petrol version.
If the Harrier receives the hybrid system, the same technology is likely to be introduced in the Safari as well. It would use the same engine and produce similar power and torque figures as the Harrier.
One of the key reasons diesel engines have been popular is their superior fuel efficiency compared to petrol engines. Before discontinuing diesel options altogether, manufacturers want to ensure there is a viable alternative in their line-up so they do not lose loyal customers.
Petrol hybrids make a lot of sense in this scenario, as they offer better fuel efficiency, comply more easily with emission norms, and are less polluting compared to conventional petrol and diesel engines.
The Tata Sierra, Tata Harrier, and Tata Safari are all heavy SUVs, which affects their fuel efficiency. In real-world conditions, the Harrier and Safari equipped with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine are expected to return around 9 km/l in the city and about 12–13 km/l on the highway. The same engine paired with hybrid technology could easily deliver fuel efficiency of over 15 km/l, which customers would appreciate - especially at a time when fuel prices are high.