Tata Motors, it seems, wants to kickstart the 2020 proceedings with a bang. After launching the Altroz hatchback in January 2020, the automaker has lined-up another product for the following month – the Gravitas. In all probability, Tata Motors will choose the 2020 Auto Expo platform to launch its new flagship offering. In essence, it is a seven-seater version of the Tata Harrier and will boast a more powerful diesel engine as well.

Tata Buzzard

For those who are unaware of where the Gravitas came from, here’s a quick crash course. In concept form, Tata Motors dubbed it as the H7X. That name gave us a clue since the five-seater Harrier carried the H5X tag when it was a concept. Fast-forward the developments to the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, and Tata Motors revealed a near-production version of the H7X as the Buzzard. Back then the company confirmed that the production name of the Buzzard would be something else. And now, we know that “something else” is Gravitas.

Sticking with the Buzzard for a while as that broke cover with some numbers. And, in all likelihood, they will stay the same for the Gravitas as well. To accommodate an extra row of seats, the Buzzard measures 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier, thanks to wheels which are an inch larger. However, the width and the wheelbase measurements are identical for both models.

Yes, the duo will differ in design, albeit slightly. Unlike the Harrier, which has a very coupe-esque rear end, the Gravitas will carry a more upright stance. That will enforce changes to the side-profile as well. Upfront, the Tata’s new flagship is expected to flaunt a more chrome-rich fascia and a reprofiled grille. Indoors, the Gravitas should deliver a similar feel as the Harrier does.

Tata Buzzard

Powering the Gravitas will be the same 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine that does duty in its five-seater sibling but in a gutsier tune. The FCA-sourced motor is expected to produce around 170bhp/350Nm and will comply to BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) norms. For the record, those power and torque figures are identical to the Jeep Compass, which makes use of the same engine. As standard, the Gravitas will come with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed AT (torque converter) will also be on offer.

As you’d expect, the Gravitas will demand a considerable premium over the Harrier. Each comparable variant could cost Rs 1 lakh more. Some might wonder what will happen to the Hexa? Like the Gravitas, it is also a seven-seater but has an outdated package. Does that mean Hexa’s days are almost up? Only time will tell.