Tata Safari : There is a lot of lineage to the name Tata Safari. Formerly known for being a rugged, ginormous road presence, the Safari was back with a new identity- one that wasn’t an old-school ladder-frame off-roader but a modern, plush urban-friendly 7-seater.
With the same sized feet as the Harrier, the new Safari is resolutely a mashup of style, space and tech – interpreted in the all-important-ish comfort that Indian families are always on the lookout for.
So, does it deserve the legendary moniker? Let’s explore.
Tata Safari Design: Big, Bold, and Eye-Catching
At first glance the Safari is an imposing behemoth. It has the sort of upright chiselled look, aggressive bonnet, wide grille and oversized alloy wheels that you want in a car of this type. The instrument cluster, the LED DRLs, the split headlamp setup and the signature tri-arrow details provide a modern twist.
In profile, the stretched rear, big rear quarter-glass and roof rails differentiate it from the Harrier.
While the rear looks more premium with the linked LED tail lamps and Safari badging. The urban aspirational SUV-look still exists in the Safari and is un comprosmising in its own sense and that’s what many buyers would like.
Interior: Luxurious with room room room.
Step inside and you are greeted with a cabin, that is a fusion of utility and elegance. Higher trims get Oyster White leatherette upholstery, a big 10.25-inch touchscreen, the digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the feeling of space.
So you get three-row seating — 6-seater (captain seats) or 7-seater (bench). The second row slides and reclines, and the third row is tolerable for adults over short distances. Boot space when all the rows are up is tight, but folding the third row flat provides plenty of space.
Performance: Car that is meant for Indian Roads
Powering the Tata Safari is the 2.0L Kryotec turbo diesel engine from Fiat (170 PS/350 Nm). It’s paired with the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The power delivery is linear and smooth but it’s not going to go tearing your arms out with an aggressive wallop. The Safari is not a performance SUV but comfortable cruiser. Sensible city commuting is no problem, while the Safari feels stable and self-assured out on the highway.
And while it drives the front wheels, its ground clearance and sturdy suspension easily cope with bad roads.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Is the Priority
Ride and handling Safari does the ride c which is fine. Tata has set the suspension up in a way to absorb pot holes and undulations ensuring stress free long journeys. From behind the wheel, whether you’re driving alone or loaded up, it rides with composure.
It’s decent enough handling for a vehicle of this girth. It’s no corner carver, but the steering supplies pretty good feedback at high speeds and body roll is kept in check for a tall SUV.
Technology and Features
From the high-end range of the Safari, the following add-ons are already available:
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are nowhere to be found
9-speaker JBL sound system
Ventilated 1st and 2nd row seats
Driver’s seat with memory and a power lumbar adjustment
360-degree camera
ADAS (in new facelift models)
The touchscreen interface isn’t the quickest, though, and there’s more work to be done on UI responsiveness.
Safety: Built Like a Tank
Tata cars have a history of being safe, and Safari is no different. The NCAP crash test has not been conducted yet but its Harrier-based platform has fared well. Key safety features include:
6 airbags (in top variants)
ABS with EBD
Electronic stability control
Hill hold and downhill brake control
ISOFIX mounts
All NEW facelift disc brakes
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful road presence
Luxurious and ample interiors
Comfortable ride quality
Strong diesel engine
Packed with safety features
ADAS and 360-degree camera Finally available
Cons:
No petrol or AWD variant
Infotainment system needs more pep
Not a whole lot of room in the third row on long drives.
Tata Safari Sinful: White upholstery Contraband: It requires some excessive cleaning.
Mild turbo lag at low rpm_ranges
Tata Safari Is Back, and It’s Vying for Your Mac’s Browser Business
The Tata Safari is not any more the old-school off-roader that it once was, but a modern and feature-rich good-to-drive family SUV with real highway capacity. For those who are searching for a 6 or 7-seater with space, safety and road presence – the Safari has a lot going for it.