Tata Harrier Red #Dark Edition – Review

The Tata Harrier was one of the first SUVs to receive the Dark edition treatment back in 2019 and since then this special edition model has contributed to a major chunk of the SUV's sales. The #Dark range has been extremely popular among car buyers, and now the company has decided to up the ante by giving it a new shade, with the Red #Dark series. Tata Motors first showcased the Red #Dark range at the 2023 Auto Expo, and apart from the Harrier, the Safari and the Nexon also come in this special edition avatar.

Positioned above the regular #Dark Harrier, the Red #Dark range comes with a host of advanced features, more tech, and some new visual cues. But should you buy it? Let’s find out.

Also Read: Tata Nexon, Harrier, Safari Red Dark Editions Launched In India

Design and Styling

Visually, the Tata Harrier Red #Dark looks identical to the regular #Dark model.

One of the main highlights of the #Dark range has been the all-black treatment, Tata Motors has retained the aspect, albeit with some distinguishing elements that set the Harrier Red #Dark apart. It still gets the #Dark badging on the fenders, but it’s now treated in red colour. You also get a red accent on the grille in line with the theme, and finally, Tata also offers red brake calipers for all four wheels, which add to the sportiness of the SUV.

Also see: 2023 Tata Harrier, Safari Bookings Open; First Tata SUVs To Get ADAS Function

Along with the Red badging, the SUV also gets red brake calipers on all four wheels

As for the features, the new Harrier Red #Dark continues to come with LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, and LED taillights. Tata also offers a set of 18-inch charcoal grey alloy wheels and electrically operable outside rear-view mirrors.

The Harrier Red #Dark gets 18-inch alloy wheels and electrically operable ORVMs

Interior and Cabin Features

Step inside the Harrier Red #Dark and you’ll notice that the majority of changes made to the car are within the cabin, and the first things that will grab your attention are the Carnelian Red seats. Made from top-quality leatherette material, the seat upholstery also comes with perforation as both the driver and front passenger get ventilation function. Something that you will truly appreciate given the harsh Indian summer. You will also find #Dark lettering embroidered on the headrests, also in red.

The cabin comes with Carnelian Red leatherette upholstery

Apart from that, the features of the regular Harrier too have been carried over. You get leather-wrapped grips, a well-designed centre console, a wireless phone charger, and a panoramic sunroof as well. The SUV also comes with a 6-Way power adjustable driver seat with three memory settings, automatic climate control and rear AC vents.

The dashboard and layout remain unchanged offering good fit and finish

Infotainment and Tech

The Harrier Red #Dark now also comes with a range of advanced tech, which includes a 10.25-inch high-definition (HD) touchscreen infotainment display. The system is loaded with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a multi-language voice assistant that can recognise a host of Indian regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali etc.

The SUV offers a new 10.25-inch HD touchscreen display

So, be it setting up a navigation course, changing music or controlling the air conditioning, all can be done by a simple voice command.

ADAS and Safety Features

The system is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

One big addition to the Harrier Red #Dark range is the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistant Systems or ADAS functionalities. Under this, Tata offers features like – Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Now all these features are certainly a welcome addition, however, I did feel that at times these can be a bit intrusive.

The Harrier Red #Dark comes with a host of ADAS functionalities

Given the traffic conditions that we regularly see in India, there are times when you will need to make quick movements to avoid a collision. However, the system fails to recognise this sometimes and acts in a bit of an intrusive manner by auto braking or making unwanted lane corrections. And you will need some time to get used to that behaviour.

Tata also offers 6 airbags, an Electronic Parking Brake, ISOFIX, and 360̊-degree cameras

The Harrier Red Dark also comes with a host of other active and passive safety features like - 6 airbags, an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold function, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and 360̊-degree surround view cameras.

Engine and Performance

The Harrier now comes with an RDE compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine

Powering the Harrier Red #Dark is the same 2-litre diesel engine, however, the motor is now RDE (Real Driving Emission) compliant. This means it conforms to the more stringent BS6 Phase 2 emission norms making it cleaner than before. That said, there is no change in power output. The motor continues to churn out 168 bhp at 3750 rpm while developing a peak torque of 350 Nm between 1750-2500 rpm. Now Tata Motors does offer a 6-speed manual gearbox as well, however, the model with us was the top-end XZA+ (O) equipped with a 6-speed automatic torque converter, and it is this variant that gets ADAS functionalities.

Tata only offers ADAS with the top-end XZA+ (O) variant

Now, the engine is powerful enough to pull this mammoth of a vehicle with ease. Yes, in the lower revs there is a bit of delay in response, however, once you cross the 2000 rpm mark, the turbo kicks in and the engine feels more alive and responsive. As for the gearbox, it’s not the quickest one out there but the shifts are smooth, and it does its job well.

Ride and Handling

The ride quality of the Harrier is quite good and it offers good NVH levels

The ride quality of the Harrier Red #Dark is very good. The SUV handles all the undulations on the road with ease and keeps the occupants in total comfort. The steering too has a nice heft to it however, it lacks feedback. The steering is adjustable for both reach and height and with the power-adjustable seat, it offers good driving ergonomics. The NVH levels of the SUV are also very good.

Price and Verdict

The Harrier Red #Dark edition is offered in three variants – XZ+ XZA+ and XZA+ (Option) – and they are priced from Rs. 21.77 lakh to Rs. 24.07 lakh (ex-showroom, India). At that price, the range-topping Harrier is about Rs. 2 lakh more expensive than the top-spec MG Hector, which also comes with ADAS, however, the latter trim only comes with a turbo petrol engine and not a diesel.

The Harrier Red #Dark is not cheap but it is loaded with the best of tech on offer

So, in a nutshell, this top-end Harrier Red #Dark is certainly not cheap, but for that premium, you do get a lot of smart features like ADAS, voice assistant, and connected car tech, which certainly add value. But, if this #Dark flavour is not something that interests you, then Tata does offer all those features with the regular top-of-the-line XZA+ (O) as well, and with that, you can save around Rs. 45,000.

Photos: Pawan Dagia