Happy to note I booked a XZA Calypso Red Harrier 2 weeks ago and I decided to take the car that was on display so got delivery within 4 days. I exchanged my 2015 Fluidic Verna Diesel and got 5 lakhs for it plus 40000 exchange bonus. Along with that got a discount on insurance.Wanted to thank everyone here for their views and posts that helped me decide on Harrier.
Reason for XZA - Not much interest in sunroof. Power adjustable driver seat also not that big of a miss. I happened to get a model manufactured in Feb (as above mentioned, I took the piece that was on display) and this model had lumbar support lever for driver seat (added bonus I guess). The branch manager said that the lumbar support was removed from XZA later and made exclusive for XZA+. Not sure if he was just trying to convince me to take that specific car but anyways again not a big issue for me. I have attached photo below of what I think is the lumbar support. Do correct me if I am wrong. Auto dimming IRVM was the only thing I will maybe miss but it didnt seem worth the additional expense.
1 week in very tough to get a proper idea of the car but here are my views
Negatives first -
1. Unfortunately got the water in fuel warning and had to take my car to service center within 2 days. I dont know if this was a mistake from Tata or Shell petrol bunk where I filled diesel after taking delivery. Bit of a worry but resolved now.
2. Noise of the engine - Much more audible even during traffic (as compared to my previous car Verna Fluidic). Not an issue for me but my dad is displeased about this. I actually like the sound. It is I guess a good sound that gives it a nice SUV feel (personal choice)
3. The Android Autoplay stopped working on the first day. Became fine after a restart of the car. I guess the car runs on Windows But even then, the Android auto on this car is not perfect. I feel a lot of delay in music playing, pausing, etc. The voice commands are not great either.
4. The boot door of the car is quite bulky and heavy. My parents and wife find it a bit hard to close it. And even the closing has to be done with a lot of force. Otherwise it doesnt close perfectly.
5.This is more of a complaint against Tata Motors dealers than the car - The dealers near my house in Bangalore - Prerana specifically were horrible with their service. It was like I was doing them a favor. No call backs, no follow ups after test drive, no interest to offer some discount (even if for the sake of it) - simply horrible. I was therefore forced to find another dealer called Kropex about 25 kms away from my house. This was a bit of a pain but I have to say the Sales personnel and branch manager at Kropex were very good in terms of their service. Faced a bit of delay in getting a refund (extra value for my exchange of Verna) but not that big an issue.
Positives
1. All the above issues related to the car are not that big an issue for me. Overall I find this car to be very good on first impression. Having had an Indica almost 10 years ago, this is an amazing change for a Tata Car. Breaks the stereotype of "Tata Car". I find the drive experience to be very nice.
2. Driving - The power is amazing. Eco mode is more than enough for city driving. City mode also has more power than needed for city driving in traffic. Did few short highway drives to try out the car and the power is brilliant. Coming from driving Manual for almost 15 years, the transition is very nice. The gear box is smooth, transition of gears very smooth and the power in Sports mode is amazing. Coming from a top end diesel Verna I am used to good power and this car really doesnt leave me wanting for power.
3. Cabin - Love the amount of space there is in this car. Family is very happy with the back seat and the amount of leg room and head room. Seats are also very comfortable. Lot of storage space in the door. I saw many reviewers on Youtube complain about the rear AC ducts being on the side. I personally like it there. The person sitting in the middle seat of back seat gets the AC flow from front and for people sitting at the windows this is perfect.
Overall, very happy with the car and looking forward to some proper long drives once COVID blows over!
Btw, I wanted to know if any Harrier owners have installed a dashcam. Wanted to know how you powered it. Any way of concealing the wire?
Thanks again for all the help!
P.S - While I like my cars and driving, I am not and expert like most people here so forgive me for any errors in my post! I have just given my personal view.
