EXCLUSIVE!

The hype surrounding the Tata Harrier is immense. It is easily one of the most hotly-anticipated launches slated for next year, and understandably, there are those who just can’t wait for the SUV to hit the market.

One customer, however, went a step further and placed a Rs 50,000 booking with a Tata dealer, and a picture of the invoice hit the internet earlier today, leading to reports stating Tata Motors has opened bookings for the Harrier. In response to those reports, the manufacturer has clarified the situation, explaining it was the customer’s insistence on being one of the first to get the SUV, and stating it has not officially opened bookings yet.

“We have learnt of this incident. The dealer was compelled to take the booking due to the customer insisting on the same, to be among the first owners of the Tata Harrier. We will publicise widely when we officially open bookings for the Harrier,” read a statement from Tata Motors.

The statement also mentions that Tata Motors has directed the dealer to refund the entire amount to the customer.

To give you a quick refresher, the Tata Harrier will be based on the Land Rover-derived Omega platform, will be powered by a 2.0-litre, 140hp diesel engine and in addition to a six-speed manual gearbox, will also have the option of a Hyundai-sourced automatic gearbox. Tata's new five-seat SUV – which has recently been spotted testing at the Kari Motor Speedway - will also be loaded with features, and is expected to retain most of the gorgeous H5X concept's design cues. Launch is scheduled to take place in January 2019, and the Harrier will go up against the Hyundai Creta.