Tata Motors has introduced a game-changing 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine - the Hyperion T-GDI - in its flagship SUVs, the Safari and Harrier. We sat down with Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer & Vice President, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, to understand why Tata is betting big on petrol power, what makes this engine special, and what's next for Tata's petrol strategy.
Siddhartha Sharma: What is the Hyperion Petrol engine, and why is it significant for Tata Motors?
Mohan Savarkar: The Hyperion engine is our latest 1.5-litre turbocharged GDI petrol engine, designed for effortless performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency. Traditionally, Indian consumers associate large SUVs with diesel engines, but globally, petrol dominates. We wanted to break that perception and offer a petrol option that delivers strong torque, smooth drivability, and compliance with upcoming BS7 emission norms.
Siddhartha Sharma: Why did Tata Motors wait so long to introduce petrol engines in the Safari and Harrier?
Mohan Savarkar: Petrol SUVs haven't been very popular in India compared to other markets. We wanted to ensure that when we introduced a petrol engine, it would meet consumer expectations for power, refinement, and efficiency. The Hyperion engine delivers 160 Nm at just 1,000 rpm and a wide torque band from 1,700 to 4,200 rpm, making it ideal for SUVs.
Siddhartha Sharma: How does this engine, according to Tata, perform in real-world conditions?
Mohan Savarkar: It's tuned for progressive yet effortless acceleration. Even at low rpm, you get strong torque, which means less gear shifting and a more relaxed drive. The refinement is such that you can have a normal conversation inside the cabin without engine noise interfering.
Siddhartha Sharma: The Hyperion engine debuted in the Sierra. How versatile is it across Tata's portfolio?
Mohan Savarkar: Very versatile. It powers the Sierra, and now the Safari and Harrier, proving it can handle both sub-4 metre SUVs and full-sized SUVs. This flexibility allows us to cater to different segments without compromising performance.
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Siddhartha Sharma: Will we see this engine in smaller cars or performance-oriented models?
Mohan Savarkar: At this point, we're focused on mass-market models like Safari, Harrier, and Sierra. Enthusiast-focused variants are not on the immediate roadmap, but as our portfolio grows, we may explore more options.
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Siddhartha Sharma: How do you plan to change the consumer mindset that bigger SUVs need bigger engines?
Mohan Savarkar: It's a perception issue. In Europe, large cars run on 1.2-litre engines. Technology and tuning matter more than displacement. The Hyperion engine proves that a 1.5-litre turbo petrol can move a full-sized SUV effortlessly.
Siddhartha Sharma: What about Tata's overall powertrain strategy in 2026?
Mohan Savarkar: Our goal is to offer choice - petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric - across segments. Consumers have preferences, and we want to cater to them all. This approach has helped us grow market share and strengthen our position.
Siddhartha Sharma: Safety has always been a Tata USP. How does that tie into your future plans?
Mohan Savarkar: Safety is non-negotiable. From the Nexon's first 5-star Global NCAP rating to introducing ADAS, we've led the way. Every new product continues that journey.