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1 month with my Tata Harrier: Observations & comparison with my Ciaz

28th September 2022, 14:12 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

I've not done any highway runs except for short trips to Lonavla, where due to the ghats, the fuel efficiency of both my cars is around 15-16 km/l.

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Observations after one month of ownership

I have a MS Ciaz ZXi+ (gen 1, petrol, manual, top end in 2016) which I have used for 6 years with over 92k on the ODO. I now have a Tata Harrier XZA+ which I have used for over a month. Hence, my comparison and observations of the Harrier are with respect to the Ciaz.

The surprises

After taking the delivery, went to the petrol pump to fill up the tank. I could not find any lever to open the fuel lid. Unlocked the vehicle and the attendant was able to open the fuel lid. Similarly, there is no release lever for the boot (realised at the Mall). One needs to unlock the vehicle to enable the security to open it. Further, the key has a button to unlock the boot. However, you still have to press the button on the boot to open it.

The boot needs to be closed hard. Every time, after the security checks the boot, I get a boot door open alarm.

Update: After the first service this has been rectified.

Steering

Harrier has HPS while Ciaz has EPS. My driving speeds have been Limited to 100 kmph at max. There are reports that the Harrier's steering is very heavy. Well, I didn't feel so. In fact, I felt that it provides better feedback at lower speeds compared to the Ciaz. I am able to handle the Harrier with one hand too.

However, the steering on the Harrier is thicker than the Ciaz. Hence, one may need to change the holding position of the steering.

Air conditioning

The Harrier has AC vents in the front (sides and centre) and the B pillars. However, there are no controls on the vents. Ciaz has vents in the front and for the rear, in the centre. However, controls are provided for reducing the flow from any of them.

I like the position of the AC vents on the B pillar as the flow is on the upper part of the body rather than the foot. Also, it frees up leg space for the 3rd passenger in the back.

The cabin in the Harrier gets cooled even at 24-25 C (P.N. that this has been the monsoon month) whereas I have 23 C on my Ciaz.

Both have Auto climate control. The Harrier AC blower speeds in Auto mode are usually high and noisy, so I keep the fan speed at 1 or 2 (it is sufficient to cool the cabin). The Ciaz AC blower can be noisy in the initial phase but after cooling, the speed drops and so does the sound.

Audio quality

Harrier has JBL speakers and the audio quality is very good.

NVH levels

The noise in the cabin can be due to the engine, AC or the tyres. The petrol engine in Ciaz is quieter than the diesel engine in the Harrier at idling (that does not mean that Harrier is too loud).

Both ACs are quiet if operated at fan speeds of 1-2.

However, the Ciaz lets in a lot of tyre noise over 60 kmph, while I do not feel the same in the Harrier.

Combining all the above, I find the Harrier cabin to be a quieter place to be in. Add the JBL system and one does not notice the cabin noise.

However, when it comes to the ride quality, the Harrier (tyre pressure at 33 as recommended, filled with nitrogen) has more vertical movement compared to the Ciaz, especially on cemented roads.

On the speed breakers and potholes, the Harrier is smoother.

Sunroof

I was skeptical of the use of the sunroof but family instead on the same. And I am happy they proved me wrong as we have made good use of it.

Storage spaces

The Ciaz has many small places in the front to keep things, while these are missing in the Harrier. This however translates to a smoother door handle on the Harrier. However, in the rear, the passengers of the Harrier get a proper tray to keep their mobiles. It also has a cooled (not tried yet) storage place and a bigger glove box. While there is space for a triple-fold umbrella, one can fit a double-fold umbrella in the door too.

Body type

Since the Harrier is an SUV, one is seated higher up. While travelling on the ghats, one gets a better view of the valley as we can see above the road wall.

However, the height can be a disadvantage too.

Infotainment system

The MY22 model gets wireless AA (no wireless charging though). We do face some lag at times, specifically with Oneus. We haven't tried Apple Car play. The system went completely blank on 2 occasions.

Update: The version was updated from v18.0 to v 18.11 in the first service. It went blank the very next day.

The screen is a floating screen and is easier for the driver to check the maps compared to the position in the Ciaz. Also, one can get the messages of Android Auto (songs and directions) on the instrument panel.

The vehicle also gets an Air purifier, which is basically a better (Hepa) filter to reduce pm 2.5. One can check the Air Quality Index (AQI) on the Infotainment system- only pm 2.5 levels. It appears to be effective (I get 1-8 after 20-30 min drive).

IRA app

The top model gets IRA connectivity. One can switch on the lights remotely, it also gives a driver score for each trip. However, I have not fully understood the utility of this App. It shows a provision for FE, but does not calculate the same.

Electronic seat

The driver seat is electronically adjustable for height inclination and back and forth. It has a manual lumbar support lever. I do wish they had a memory function too. Getting the right adjustment after someone else has driven it can take time.

The seat is aligned towards the left with respect to the steering. This means that the right leg is bent for the accelerator. The same needs to be corrected. Correcting the same should also help in resolving the complaint of left knee touching the dash too.

Update: On the first service, the SC could not rectify the same.

Fuel efficiency

The MID shows an average of over 13 km/l with most (75%) of the driving in the city. However, on the tank full to tank full method, it is around 11-12. Have not done any highway runs except for short trips to Lonavla, where due to the ghats, the average is around 15-16 km/l in both my Ciaz as well as Harrier.

Ingress

Normally, entering both vehicles has been easy. However, when dressed up for a function, the ladies usually find it difficult to climb any SUV/MPV. The sedans are better.

Blind spots

The C and D pillars of the Harrier are close by and the glass in between hardly allows any views for the driver. However, the gap between the B and C pillars is quite wide. Hence, have not faced problems taking a right turn. Also, the A-pillar and the ORVM have a small gap that reduces the blind spot.

Finally, which vehicle do we prefer?

Harrier for the weekend trips, any of the two for the office, and Ciaz for roads with low width.

While we love both vehicles, there is a special attachment for anything that goes on the Harrier with permission of all members of my family required.