Tata Safari is back! All details here
Well, the automaker has now revealed that the Tata Motors has decided to resurrect the iconic Safari nameplate with its upcoming flagship SUV. Introduced the Auto Expo 2020 as the Gravitas, the upcoming 7-seat SUV will be launched as the new Tata Safari, and will launch in showrooms soon. The upcoming model will go on sale later this month, with bookings set to commence shortly. Here’s all that you need to know about this latest development model.
Exterior
Visually, on the outside, the near-production spec Tata Safari may have a identical front end to the 5-seater Harrier, but it stands out by being 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the previous Harrier. In order to make to make space for third row seat, it is just 1,894mm wide, with the same 2,741mm wheelbase. The 7-seater SUV will include a honeycomb mesh, projector headlights, LED taillights, squared wheel arches, roof rails, a large roof-mounted spoiler, massive rear windscreen, a large tailgate, and a beefier rear bumper and more. However, to provide greater visual distinction between the two, the company is expected to offer new color options with new wheelbase design. We expect a 6-seater setup with captain seats or a 7-seater layout with bench seats.
Interior
On the inside, to distinguish it, the upcoming model could get the signature-style oak dashboard with a lighter black-creme color and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. We also expect similar features like an 8.8-inch floating infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, drive modes, a JBL sound speakers, climate control recognition, a 7-inch multi-info instrument panel, steering-mounted voice controls, premium oak brown leather seat upholstery, and more. On safety front, some of the safety equipment are on offer like, six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with camera, and traction control.
Engine
Mechanically, the 2021 Tata Safari SUV will be powered by a BS6-compliant Fiat-sourced 170PS/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine and 4-cylinder diesel engine. Under the hood, it will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox along with an optional 6-speed automatic torque converter gearbox options. But the 5-seater Harrier is only available with front-wheel drive albeit with a variety of drive modes. The engine can generate maximum power of 168 bhp against the peak torque of 350 Nm. The upcoming Safari is designed to corporate a four-wheel-drive system, hinting at a possible 4x4 variant of the new Safari that may be launched at a later date depending on the market.
Price and Competition
Sitting at the top of the Tata Motors PV line-up, it is likely to be priced from Rs 13.84-20.30 lakh (ex-showroom) which is at a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the Harrier and will launch in coming weeks. The new Safari will compete against the likes of MG Hector Plus and future next-gen Mahindra XUV500.