Tata Motors is all set to expand its petrol engine lineup with a brand-new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine. This new engine is expected to debut on the upcoming Tata Sierra SUV and will also likely be seen on other future Tata offerings, including a new compact SUV.
The move comes as Tata looks to offer more options to buyers while keeping entry prices competitive, especially against popular Korean and Japanese rivals.
A New Addition To Tata’s Petrol Engine Family
Currently, Tata Motors offers three petrol engines across its lineup:
- A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine
- A 1.2-litre turbocharged unit
- A 1.2-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine
Once the new 1.5-litre NA engine enters production, the total number of petrol engines in Tata’s stable will grow to five. Additionally, Tata is also working on a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol motor, which was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. However, that engine has seen some delays as Tata is reportedly taking extra time to fine-tune the final product before launch.
Why A 1.5-Litre NA Engine Makes Sense For Sierra
The upcoming Tata Sierra is likely to feature both petrol and electric powertrains. For the petrol-powered variants, Tata is expected to position the new 1.5-litre NA engine on the entry-level trims. This move will help Tata price the SUV more aggressively, making it an attractive option for buyers comparing it with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Maruti Grand Vitara.
To put things in perspective:
- The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer 115hp 1.5-litre NA petrol and 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol options.
- The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara also gets a 103hp 1.5-litre NA petrol engine on its base variants.
With the new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit, Tata could offer similar specifications at a better value proposition, especially considering the brand’s focus on design, safety, and build quality.
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What About The Turbocharged Version?
The higher-spec petrol variants of the Tata Sierra are expected to feature the much-awaited 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. That engine was reported to produce 170hp and 280Nm of torque. However, Tata may offer different states of tune depending on the variant or model, especially if this engine powers larger SUVs like the Harrier or Safari.
Conclusion
The addition of the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine signals Tata’s intent to strengthen its position in the mid-size SUV market. With a growing number of engines in its arsenal and a variety of powertrains (including electric), Tata Motors appears well-prepared to cater to a broader spectrum of buyers across different price points. All eyes are now on the upcoming launch of the Tata Sierra, where this new engine is expected to make its official debut.