Tata Scarlet SUV in the works — Is it the baby Sierra?

Tata Motors is reportedly working on a new sub-compact SUV, which will sit alongside the popular Nexon. The upcoming Tata compact SUV is likely to feature a boxy design and the project is internally referred to as Scarlet. Read on to know more about the Tata Scarlet SUV and what to expect from this lifestyle compact SUV. 

Tata Scarlet SUV — What is it?

Media reports suggest that the upcoming Scarlet compact SUV is likely to go against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar, albeit underpinned by a monocoque platform. While the Nexon takes on the likes of other family compact SUVs like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO, the Scarlet SUV is likely to be positioned as a lifestyle small SUV. Its design is said to be taking inspiration from the Sierra, thereby lending it the baby Sierra name. 

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Tata Scarlet SUV design details

While there is no leak or sketch on the internet giving any cues about the upcoming SUV, it is likely to draw the design inspiration from the Sierra SUV. The Sierra is set to be launched in the Indian market towards the end of year 2025 and will feature both ICE and EV powertrains. Needless to say, the biggest highlight of the upcoming Sierra is its unique design that harks back to the original Tata Sierra.

We can expect the Scarlet compact SUV to take certain design cues from the Sierra, like a flat and tall bonnet, raked windscreen and a straight rear section with an imposing stance. It remains to be seen how well it fits in the already crowded sub-compact SUV segment.

Tata Scarlet SUV powertrain options

On the powertrains front, the details are scarce. However, we can expect it to share its engine options with the Nexon, which comes with the choice of a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. In order to create a larger differentiation between the two models, Tata could offer the 1.2-litre Hyperion engine that boasts direct injection for better performance. Needless to say, both engines are likely to be offered with manual as well as automatic transmission options.

Tata Scarlet SUV launch timeline

The new Scarlet SUV falls under the new 7 nameplates Tata Motors plans to launch by the year 2030. Since Tata Motors is busy readying the Sierra ICE/EV along with Harrier/Safari petrol, we expect the Scarlet SUV India launch to take place sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. 

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