Known by its internal codename 'H7X' and revealed as a concept earlier in 2019 with the Buzzard moniker, Tata’s upcoming seven-seater will go on sale in India as the Gravitas. For those who may not know, the Gravitas is a seven-seat SUV derivative of the Tata Harrier. Here are a few things about the Gravitas that you should know.
How big is the Gravitas?
The Gravitas will be more than just a Harrier with a third row of seats. While the two SUVs share their 2,741mm wheelbase and are an identical 1,894mm in width, the Gravitas is both longer and taller than the five-seater. In pure numbers, the seven-seater’s 4,661mm length and 1,786mm height makes it 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier.
In look, the Gravitas and Harrier differ from the B-pillar onwards. The Gravitas has a longer rear overhang and a stepped roof to accommodate the third row of seats. While the tailgate itself remains more or less identical to the Harrier, the Gravitas features a larger rear-quarter glass, replacing the Harrier's stylish ‘pinched’ window line. This has been done in an attempt to make the third row feel roomier by having a larger glasshouse area. The Gravitas will also get a different design for the diamond-cut alloys in order to further distinguish it from the Harrier.
What’s the Gravitas’ third row like?
The Gravitas’ USP will be its third row of seats. Tata has included a one-touch flip-and-fold mechanism for the second row of seats to allow passengers easy access to the third row. However, having sat in the Buzzard concept at the Geneva motor show, we can report that access to the last row isn’t convenient; and space at the back is very limited too. On the positive side, dedicated aircon vents and separate blower controls have been included. Three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints for both passengers will also be part of the package.
What engine will the Gravitas get?
As was known, the Gravitas will come equipped with a more powerful, BS6-compliant version of the Harrier’s 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine, producing around 170hp and 350Nm of torque. Transmission options for the Gravitas will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque-convertor automatic gearbox. Like the Harrier, the Gravitas will be front-wheel drive only but will have drive modes for off-road scenarios.
When will the Gravitas launch?
Along with the name announcement, Tata also confirmed that the Gravitas will be launched in February next year. This could potentially be at Auto Expo 2020, which is scheduled to take place on February 7-12. With the Harrier priced between Rs 13-16.86 lakh (ex-showroom), expect Tata to price the Gravitas around Rs 1 lakh more than its five-seat cousin.
What models will the Gravitas compete with?
When it goes on sale in February 2020, the Tata Gravitas will compete with other seven-seat mid-size SUVs like Mahindra’s XUV500, and also MG’s upcoming six-seat Hector, which is also due for launch early next year. However, Mahindra is currently developing the next-gen XUV500 too, which is slated for a mid-2020 launch. This should heat up things in that segment next year.
What do you think about the upcoming Tata Gravitas? Let us know in the comments below.
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