Tata Harrier-based Cassini (Buzzard) Spied Testing

At the Geneve Motor Show 2019, Tata Motors brought their four all-new models to the eyes of the international audience. One among these is the Tata Harrier’s 7-seater version. The equivalent of this SUV in the European market is the Tata Buzzard, but as currently revealed by Tata, the India-spec 7-seater Harrier is named Cassini.

The latest spy images of the Cassini have shown it undergoing road test. Even being camouflaged carefully, Tata Cassini is spotted with new alloy wheels. The shots also indicate some resemblances to the Tata Harrier's front end design.

Just like the Harrier, the Cassini will continue to feature the OMEGA platform while the exterior is inspirited by Tata’s latest design language, The IMPACT 2.0. Even sharing the same platform, the Cassini will boast a longer and taller body to accommodate a larger passenger capacity.

Also read - 10 Things You Need To Know About The Tata Cassini

The addition of the third row also leads to some changes in the rear side design, for example, the C and D pillar on the Cassini will follow a new design. Besides, the sloping roofline on the Harrier disappears to make way for a higher roof. This change will bring in a better headroom for the third-row passengers.

Tata Cassini is seen on the road while testing, expected to arrive the market by the end of this year. Image source: MotorWordIndia

Apart from the new third row, the interior room of the Cassini will remain mostly the same as in the Harrier. The Harrier’s large touchscreen infotainment unit with the wood finish will be carried to the Cassini. On the other hand, the new extra row will come at the cost of less space for the rear cargo storage. But Tata will design the rear row with foldable spit seats to allow a larger room for loading luggage as one wishes. In its class, the Cassini will be the largest SUV.

Under the hood, the Cassini will be powered by the same 2-litre four-cylinder KRYOTEC diesel engine that first debuted on the Harrier. On the Harrier, this engine could churn out 139bhp and 350Nm. However, it will come with upgrades to raise the power output, assumedly around 170bhp. Only with a higher power output could this engine propel such a hulky body like the seven seater Cassini.

Tata Cassini will share the same KRYOTEC engine and OMEGA platform with the Harrier

About the transmission, Cassini might be available with both manual and automatic transmission. The said automatic gearbox is sourced from Hyundai, possibly being featured on the Harrier soon. On the other hand, the OMEGA platform could adopt an AWD system, therefore, it is highly possible that Tata will offer as an option on the Cassini.

Tata Cassini would debut by the end of 2019. But ahead of the seven-seater SUV’s launch, Tata will roll off the premium hatchback Tata Altroz first. The Cassini is expected to get the starting price of around 14 lakh. It will rival the Mahindra XUV500, Jeep Compass and upcoming MG Hector.

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