Mbabane –Indian automaker Tata has returned to Southern Africa with the Harrier, a flagship SUV aimed at reshaping the brand’s image, but it faces tough competition from Korean and Chinese rivals. Launched in August alongside three smaller models – Tiago, Punch and Curvy – the Harrier is the only model in the line-up to offer a turbodiesel engine.
Built on the Omega Arc platform, derived from Jaguar Land Rover’s Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the Harrier marks Tata’s first modern SUV in nearly a decade. The vehicle arrives at a time when Chinese automakers such as Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, GWM, GAC and BYD continue to gain traction in Southern Africa. Tata positions the Harrier as a premium alternative, but its higher pricing may be a hurdle for buyers accustomed to more affordable options.
The Fearless+ test model in Ash Grey is visually striking, with slim LED headlights, black and silver trims, a dual-tone roof and gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV features a full-width LED light bar with the Tata logo in the centre. Its upright profile shares little with the Discovery Sport, creating a unique and aggressive stance.
Inside, the cabin combines modern design with inconsistent material quality. Soft-touch surfaces are paired with hard plastics, and white fabric on the centre console and door handles appears impractical. Controls for the front seat ventilation are positioned low on the seat panel, forcing drivers to look away from the road. Front seat comfort is acceptable, while rear seats are firmer and taller passengers are limited by the panoramic sunroof, though legroom and rear air vents remain adequate.
Technology features include a 12.3-inch Harman infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, nine-speaker JBL audio, dual-zone climate control, and a steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo controls. Practicality is addressed with a 445-litre boot expandable to 815 litres, electric bootlid, wireless smartphone charging, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start, rear window blinds, folding electric mirrors, and front and rear armrests. Safety equipment covers seven airbags, 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward and Rear Collision Warning, Hill Descent Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Under the hood, the Harrier carries a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbodiesel engine producing 125kW/350Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox driving the front wheels. The engine takes time to spool up and initially feels underpowered, although Sport mode improves response. The gearbox shifts smoothly most of the time but can struggle under sudden acceleration. Steering is overly light with limited feedback. Tata has not released ground clearance figures, but the SUV rides comfortably on paved roads. Fuel consumption during a 655 km test averaged just over seven litres per 100 km, slightly higher than the claimed efficiency.
Priced at R699 900 for the Fearless+, the Harrier is targeted at buyers reluctant to adopt hybrids or alternatives like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. While the SUV offers premium styling, technology, and safety, its performance, interior quirks, and higher pricing may make it a challenging sell against established Korean and Chinese competitors in Eswatini.
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