New Tata Safari Car Specifications And Features

The word ‘Tata Safari’ is quite nostalgic to many of us. The luxury of car, let alone SUV was unevenly spread during that time. But many of us would revere the old Safari car then and the kids valued its toy avatar. Taking ahead the honor and approval of old Safari, Tata has come up with New Safari. This one shares only the name with the old one. It is considered as a three row derivative of Tata Harrier with automatic gearbox.

It is a ripened version of the Harrier. The Safari is based on OMEGA architecture drawn from the D8 platform from Land Rover. This platform is considered as a gold standard for SUVs globally.

The Safari has a diesel engine and no petrol engine is available as of now. The diesel variant has both automatic and manual transmission mode. The price extends from Rs. 14.99 - 22.01 Lakh (ex-showroom).

The Outer Impression

The first front look says it all- drawn out from Tata Harrier. From other positions such resemblance, however, won’t confuse you. It has commonality with the Harrier in placement of split lamps. Otherwise the new chrometri arrow grille pattern is freshness.Insertion of third row led to introduction of greater roof-line, a stretched rear projection, fitted full size rear quarter glass and a more erect tail end. Skid plates have a silver finish. Xenon HID headlamps have good reach in high beam yet the spread could have been better. Headlamps, LED DRLs (daytime running lights), fog lamps and bumper design are quite matching to that of the Harrier. The rear features include tail lamps quite similar to but not a replica of the Harrier. The others are- false dual exhaust, rear spoiler and huge tailgate among others. The masculinity is evident from reinforced wheel arches, roof rail step, C-pillar covering and the 18 inches diamond chiseled alloy wheels.

Safari is dimensionally superior to Harrier as it is 80 mm taller and 63 mm longer than it. The width and wheelbase remain untouched though. Overall the new Safari is given a bulky, chiseled look without overdoing the exterior.

The Interiors- Thrilling Enough?

Being a descendant of Tata Harrier, the interior of the two have resemblance. The interior theme is Oyster White which makes it more upmarket and airy. However, upkeep of the light leatherette seats could be a struggle for some. The dashboard isn’t hard plastic. It is soft except on the part encircling the instrument cluster. One exciting feature is the easy to use Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold replacing the manual handbrake.  There is 8.8-inch touchscreen but in this price range it is below the followed standard dimensions. The rear view camera has pixel quality issues. The instrument cluster has both digital and analog panels.

The cabin features are in abundance, starting from ‘sky dome’ panoramic sunroof, auto headlamps and wipers, auto climate control, mood lighting along doors among others. The connected tech in Safari enables features like- speed alerts, remote car observation, remote lock/ unlock, geo fencing, car health etc. But wireless charging is a miss here. Six airbags and hill-descent control are restricted to top-spec XZ+ version. Electronic Stability Control is available as a standard feature. JBL sound system(4 speakers, 4 tweeters, 1 sub-woofer/amplifier)has been used to make drives easy on the ears.

Seating Comfort

It is a three row SUV.  It has a stadium like seating position; the rear seats lay higher than the front ones. This enables a superb visibility even at the third row and presents a roomy interior. The middle row is bench like arrangement. But one can opt for captain seats in other version. The seats have good back and thigh support. The seat comfort is superb even for a long drive. There is option for sliding 60:40 seats back. The ‘Boss Mode’ lever lets you make more room by tuning the co-driver seat from back. Head room and leg room are quite impressive. Charging points and AC vents are adequately provided. 

Access to the third row is through a channel between the captains’ chairs or in bench like arrangement through the side. Fold and tumble of seat is striking but not totally hassle free for all age groups. Headroom and legroom is comparatively improved and will make an average sized adult happy. However, with all unfolded seats, the boot space is just 73L. But with a foldable middle row a big cargo bay can be created. The tailgate is bit weighty.

Driving Experience

The 170hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine of Tata Safari is what the Harrier uses. The driving experience is quite parallel too. In manual mode you will feel a heavy clutch and the gears might require some effort. So, automatic could be preferred choice. The gearbox is in alignment with the engine’s features, gearshifts are well-timed and receptive of manual shifts.

Weighing 75kgs more than the Harrier, Safari is as brisk as the former. The steering though is not as light as it should have been at low speeds.  Three driving modes- Eco, City and Sport fine tunes the driving experience. Eco mode isn’t suitable for speedy overtakes. On highways the mode runs smooth and pleasant. For a speedy or rough overtake go for the Sports mode. It will make you realize the power of Tata Safari. The altered suspension takes bumps confidently and long drives will rarely be painful. Even in the absence of 4WD (wheel drive), Safari isn’t unpleasant.  The monocoque platform and front wheel drive layout does the work here. It is also equipped with Wet/Rough Terrain Response modes.  While testing the power of Safari don’t overlook the Land Rover traits it is lined with.

The Braking system is effective. It has all-round disc brakes. The brake pedal lacks enough modulation though.

The Safety Features in list

There is strongly constructed monocoqueplatform equipped with six airbags (driver, co-passenger, side and curtain airbags), all-four disc brakes, ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) for braking accuracy and control along with Traction Control and Brake assist traction control, corner stability control, tire pressure monitor system, child seat ISOFIX anchor points among others.

Tata Safari Accessories

Now that your heart and mind have inclined to the new Safari, let’s not delay another major decision making. The interiors of course!!! Look out for yourself- Elegant Auto Accessories.

Tata Safari Seat Covers

Custom made seat covers - Fabric or Artificial Leather. Know why the fabric seat covers are valuable.Click here.

What makes the Artificial Leather seat covers precious:

• Stain resistant and easy cleaning,
• Durability
• Responds well to cooled/heated/ventilated function
• Enhances aesthetics of the interior
• Complements the resale value of the car

Check out the Airbag Friendly Car Seat Covers .

Have a look at the wide variety of car seat covers and make exciting color combinations with any of the Tata Safari color variants- Tropical Mist, Daytona Grey, Orcus White and Royal Blue.

Car Floor Mats

Don’t let anyone toss dirt inside your SUV. Shield it with durable and eye pleasing floor mats. Check out the collection.

Other Accessories

Yes, car seat covers  and car floor mats are indispensable. But this time check those items also which are generally forgotten or ignored. You name it and we have it.

Final Words

Tata Safari is a well-researched product.  The seating arrangement is cool enough for large families. The ride quality is comfortable. Automatic transmission is especially responsive and impressive. The interiors are upmarket and catchy. The Indian market is swelling up with SUVs. Safari is going to have a tough competition from Mahindra XUV500, MG Hector Plus (7-seater), Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra XUV700.