By Gaurav Mantry | Automotive Expert & Founder, GForceMotor Published: January 10, 2026
For years, the biggest chink in the armor of Tata’s flagship SUVs was the lack of a petrol engine. While the diesel Fiat-sourced engine was a workhorse, urban buyers wanted the refinement and silence of a petrol.
The wait officially ended this week. Tata Motors has launched the Safari and Harrier Petrol with the all-new 1.5L Hyperion TGDi engine.
As someone who has tracked the Indian market for years, I can tell you this is a strategic masterstroke. With diesel regulation tightening in NCR and other metros, this engine isn’t just an option; it’s a survival kit.
Let’s dive into what makes these new “Hyperion” powered SUVs tick.
The Heart: 1.5L Hyperion TGDi Engine
Distinct from the Nexon’s powertrain, this is a dedicated all-aluminum GDi Turbo-Petrol engine developed for Tata’s larger SUV lineup. It shares its architecture with the recently launched Tata Sierra but utilizes a specific tuning setup for optimal performance in the Harrier and Safari.
| Specification | Tata Harrier / Safari Petrol | Mahindra XUV700 Petrol |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Hyperion Turbo-GDi | 2.0L mStallion Turbo |
| Power | 170 PS (168 bhp) | 200 PS |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT |
| Claimed Mileage | ~16.3 kmpl | ~13 kmpl |
The GForce Take: On paper, the torque (280 Nm) seems low compared to the XUV700’s massive 380 Nm. However, Tata claims its tuning prioritizes low-end refinement and efficiency over outright drag-strip performance. It’s built for the city grind and relaxed highway cruising, not 0-100 sprints.
Pricing: Aggressive & Accessible
ata has undercut the competition significantly. By introducing the petrol variants, the entry price for the Harrier has dropped below ₹13 Lakh!
- Tata Harrier Petrol: Starts at ₹12.89 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
- Tata Safari Petrol: Starts at ₹13.29 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
This pricing puts the base Harrier squarely in competition with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos mid variants, offering a much larger car for similar money.
What’s New? (Besides the Engine)
Tata didn’t just swap the engine; they added some tech flair to distinguish the petrol lineup.
- New Infotainment: A massive 14.5-inch Samsung Neo QLED touchscreen. The colors are punchier, and the response is iPad-smooth.
- Camera Washers: Finally! Both front and rear cameras now get dedicated washers—a lifesaver for Indian muddy roads.
- Memory ORVMs: The mirrors now have a memory function and auto-dip when you engage reverse gear.
Red Dark Edition
Dressed in the signature Oberon Black exterior with bold Zircon Red accents and striking red brake calipers, these SUVs command attention instantly. Inside, the cabin is draped in premium Carnelian Red upholstery, creating a cockpit that feels as sporty as it drives.
Driving Impressions: Is 1.5L Enough?
I know what you’re thinking: Is a 1.5L engine enough to pull a 1.8-tonne Safari?
The Short Answer: Yes, but manage your expectations.
The Long Answer:
- City Driving: The engine is impressively refined. It’s silent at idle (a stark contrast to the diesel rattle). The turbo lag is well-masked, making city commuting smooth.
- Highway Cruising: It sits comfortably at 100-120 km/h. However, if you want to perform a quick overtake with a full load of 7 passengers in the Safari, you will miss the 350 Nm torque punch of the diesel. You’ll need to work the gearbox a bit more.
- Refinement: This is the biggest USP. NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are fantastic. It feels like a premium luxury car inside.
Verdict: Petrol or Diesel?
This is the million-dollar question.
Buy the Petrol (Hyperion) if:
- Your daily running is low (under 1,500 km/month).
- You live in Delhi-NCR (10-year diesel ban anxiety).
- You prioritize cabin silence and smoothness over raw punch.
- You want that lower sticker price (save ~₹1.5 Lakh over diesel).
Stick to the Diesel (Kryotec) if:
- You do frequent long-distance highway trips.
- You often drive with a full load (7 people + luggage).
- You love that “shove-in-the-seat” torque feeling.
The GForce Recommendation
The Petrol Automatic is now the definitive choice for the urban jungle. You get the best of both worlds: the aggressive, commanding looks the twins are famous for, paired with superior refinement and a value-for-money price tag.
❓ FAQs: Tata Safari & Harrier Petrol
Q: What is the real-world mileage of Safari Petrol? A: Expect roughly 10-12 kmpl in the city and 14-15 kmpl on highways. Turbo petrols are sensitive to throttle inputs!
Q: Is the Automatic transmission a DCT or Torque Converter? A: It is a refined 6-Speed Torque Converter (sourced from Aisin), known for reliability and smoothness in stop-go traffic.
Q: Does the Petrol version have ADAS? A: Yes, the top-spec Fearless/Accomplished variants come with the full Level 2 ADAS suite.
Image credit: TataMotors