Tata Motors has secured licensing rights to upgrade the Fiat 2.0-litre diesel engine and confirmed petrol variants for both Safari and Harrier by FY2026.
Look, this isn’t just another corporate announcement that’ll get buried in press releases. This development actually matters because it addresses something we’ve been hearing from readers for ages – why can’t I get my Safari in petrol? Why doesn’t the Harrier have more power options? Well, Tata’s finally listened, and honestly, it’s about time. With the XUV700 breathing down their necks and offering everything from mild-hybrid petrol to twin-turbo diesel, Tata needed to up their game or risk becoming yesterday’s news.
Diesel Engine Gets More Muscle
Here’s where things get interesting. Remember how every tiny tweak to the Safari’s engine used to cost Tata a fortune because they had to go cap-in-hand to Stellantis? Those days are over. The company’s bought the rights to the FAM B 2.0-litre diesel, which means they can now tinker to their heart’s content.
Word on the street is they’re cooking up two diesel variants. The hot one should pump out somewhere between 180-200 horses – finally giving the XUV700’s 185 PS a proper fight. Then there’s the sensible option at around 150 PS for folks who care more about fuel bills than bragging rights at traffic lights.
Currently, both SUVs make 170 PS and 350 Nm, which isn’t terrible but feels a bit… well, adequate. And in today’s market, adequate doesn’t cut it anymore. You’ve got teenagers in Kushaq Monte Carlos making more power than your family’s seven-seater!
Petrol Power Finally Arrives
After what feels like a decade of “coming soon” promises, Tata’s actually putting their money where their mouth is. The new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol from their Hyperion family will make around 170 PS and 280 Nm. Not earth-shattering numbers, but respectable enough for most driving scenarios.
This engine’s been doing the rounds at auto shows since 2023, and frankly, we were starting to wonder if it was just a fancy showpiece. But sources suggest it’s very real and very much happening. The best part? You’ll get both stick-shift and automatic options, with the latter likely being Tata’s DCA gearbox that’s been impressing us in other models.
Think about it – how many times have you heard someone say, “I love the Safari, but I don’t want a diesel”? Especially in cities where diesel’s becoming the villain and petrol pumps are everywhere. This move could open floodgates.
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Pricing Strategy
Here’s where Tata could really shake things up. The petrol variants are expected to undercut diesels by about a lakh, potentially bringing the Harrier down to ₹13 lakh territory. That’s serious money in anyone’s book.
For the Safari, this could be a game-changer. Suddenly, families who’ve been stretching budgets for the Innova Crysta might find themselves looking at a proper seven-seat SUV for similar money. It’s the kind of pricing that makes you do a double-take at the showroom.
Market Impact
Let’s be honest – Tata’s been losing ground to Mahindra lately, and it shows in the sales numbers. The XUV700’s success isn’t just about features or looks; it’s about giving customers choices. Want efficiency? Here’s the mild-hybrid petrol. Want performance? Take the twin-turbo diesel. Want value? Base diesel it is.
Tata’s been playing with one hand tied behind their back, offering only diesel when the market clearly wants options. This change doesn’t just level the playing field – it potentially tilts it back in their favor.
The timing’s perfect too. With BS7 norms looming and diesel’s uncertain future, having strong petrol options isn’t just smart – it’s essential survival strategy.
Timeline and Expectations
FY2026 for petrol variants is confirmed, though the diesel upgrades might arrive earlier. We’ve spotted test mules around Pune multiple times, and they’re definitely not running the current engine setup – the exhaust note’s different, for starters.
The 2026 Safari refresh is already creating a buzz with its claims of an enhanced interior, a quieter cabin and more tech. Throw in these new engines, and you’ve got a genuine product offensive that might even reset the midsize SUV game.
But: will that be too little too late? The XUV700’s had a good run building customer loyalty, and changing buying patterns isn’t easy. Tata needs to nail the execution, pricing, and most importantly, the driving experience.
For what it’s worth, this feels like old Tata finally waking up to new market realities. The question isn’t whether these changes are good – they obviously are. The question is whether they’re good enough to win back customers who’ve already moved on.