Tata is slated to launch a slew of SUVs and EVs within two years.
Tata Motors is on a launch streak as it has planned more or less, eight new vehicles for the Indian market. The coming years will witness some of the best updated and fresh models from the company including electric vehicles. So, here are five upcoming SUVs from Tata Motors in 2022-23.
Blackbird
For a long time, a new mid-sized SUV from Tata has been in the making. The car has been given a codename 'Blackbird', and it is likely to be a coupe version based on Nexon, with extended length and wheelbase. Interestingly, the Blackbird will be first launched as an EV, followed by petrol and diesel versions.
The Blackbird EV will underpin Tata’s new modular platform, sharing some elements from Nexon’s X1. The petrol and diesel models are expected to house the same 1.5L and 1.5L turbocharged motors, while it has to compete with rivals such as Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Kia Seltos and Nissan Kicks.
Safari Petrol
Tata Motors is also planning to launch the petrol version of Safari, which can be the 1.6L motor that could make 160PS and 250Nm of torque. The Safari petrol would be less expensive and lighter than the diesel variants. Safari is currently available with the sole 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine. With the launch of the petrol version, the Safari would be in a better position to compete against the likes of MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700.
Harrier Petrol
Similar to the Safari petrol, Tata Harrier is also waiting to get the petrol version for a long time. Potential buyers across the country are waiting for the petrol model as an affordable alternative and also to get away with the strict diesel emission norms. The new powertrain would be the same that will make its way in the Safari petrol, i.e. the 1.6L 160PS engine. The car has been spied testing on the Indian roads many times, so it means launch can happen anytime this year.
Nexon EV Long range
Nexon EV has already created several records in the Indian market with one being the best-selling electric vehicle. Tata is all set to give the sales of Nexon EV a decent boost by extending its driving range from 312kms to at least up to 400kms. Tata will upgrade the existing battery size from 30.2 kWh to 40 kWh which will be enough to add an 80-100kms range.
Tata would sell the new long-range Nexon with the current one as the former will be substantially more expensive than the existing Nexon. Other changes in the new Nexon EV could be Electronic Stability Control, regeneration mode, a new set of alloys and some cosmetic upgrades. The arrival of the new Nexon EV extended range would make the fight against MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV more interesting.
Punch EV
As the EVs are the next big thing in the auto market, Tata is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for it well in advance. Tata is planning to extend its electric vehicle range with the launch of Punch electric SUV in future. And it won’t be a tough job for the company as Punch is already made on the ALFA platform, which can accommodate electric motors and batteries.
If launched, the Punch could be the most affordable EV from the stable of Tata. Besides, turbocharged petrol and a diesel version of Punch could also be in the making as it is currently available with a mediocre 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol powertrain.
