The homegrown passenger carmaker, Tata Motors is gearing up for the launch of the much-awaited Gravitas 6/7-seater SUV. The new model was scheduled to be launched by the end of this year; however, launch has been pushed to early 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic. The Tata Gravitas was first unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The Tata Gravitas is basically the 7-seater version of the Harrier SUV, which is based on the new OMEGA-ARC platform. This platform is derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture, which was used to develop Freelander. This 7-seater SUV will be positioned against the soon-to-be-launched MG Hector 7-seater and the next-gen Mahindra XUV500.
The Tata Gravitas is 63mm longer, 72mm wider and 80mm taller than the Harrier. In terms of proportions, the new 7-seater SUV is 4,661mm long, 1,894mm wide and 1,786mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,741mm. The SUV will have a ground clearance of 200mm. The SUV looks similar to the Harrier, but Tata engineers have made some changes to accommodate third row of seats. The SUV has taller stance, bigger alloys and more upright rear profile. It comes with re-styled tail-lamps and boot lid, and has large windshield and prominent rear spoiler. The SUV gets stepped roof, upright tailgate with a roof spoiler, newly styled roof rails and slightly tweaked rear profile.
The Tata Gravitas will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 170bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
MG Hector 7-seater
The 7-seater version of the Hector Plus will be launched in the market in January 2021. The new model will have 60:40 split bench-type seats in the second row to accommodate 3 adults. The second row of seats will have sliding feature allowing adjust legroom for the third row. It will be offered with 3 engine options – a 170bhp, 2.0L diesel with 6MT, a 143bhp, 1.5L Turbo petrol with 6MT and DCT automatic, and a 1.5L petrol with 48V mild hybrid system paired to a 6-speed MT.
New Mahindra XUV500
The new-generation Mahindra XUV500 will be presented in March-April 2021. The new model will ride on new front-wheel-drive monocoque platform, which will also underpin the Ford C-SUV. The SUV will be offered in 6- and 7-seat options. The new model will be the first in the segment to offer ADAS (Advance Driver Assistance Features). It will be offered with two engine options – a new 2.0L turbocharged petrol and a 2.2L turbocharged diesel. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
