Tata Safari LX 4x2
Maxabout Review
Needs a Major Makeover
Tuesday, July 22, 2008Overview
The Tata Safari has been symbolic of the Indian SUV market. Initially, it shared the same chassis and suspension as its cousins, the Sierra, the Sumo and so on. The Safari still holds that big, macho SUV image. It continues its high stance with a rather long bonnet; it exudes ruggedness; even in the face of its rather more timid looking clear lens headlamps and some extra chrome that has gone into its anti-ageing process. Lines of the Safari DiCOR aren't very different from the outgoing safari and save for the new headlamps, tail lamps and a more pronounce chrome chin, the changes are hardly noticeable.
Interiors
The Dash is in beige with a polished aluminum console in the center of the dash It comes with a nice clock and buttons for the defogger, rear wash-wipe and so on. The higher versions of the safari also come with either an MP3 or a VCD player. The seats are really good and comfortable, they come with hand supports for the passengers up front and at the back. The rear legroom is excellent and it is very comfortable here, unlike the last row of seats, which aren't fit for extended drives.
Once you fold these jump seats though, u liberates a lot of luggage room. The safari now incorporates adjustable height seat belts that can really go a long way in improving comfort and in the event of a crash, they can dramatically reduce the risk of neck injury.
Engine
Safari LX is powered by 483 DL Turbo-Charged Inter Cooled 1948cc engine. It develops maximum power of 90 Bhp at 4300 rpm and maximum torque of 190 Nm @ 2000-3000 rpm. The Safari Dicor is fitted with the new generation 2.2 L Dicor (Direct injection common rail) engine that is operated by a 32-bit electronic control unit and incorporates state-of-the-art technology.
While lowering emission and fuel consumption by a few notches, the new engine delivers an incredible peak power of 140 PS and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. Recently, Tata has added a new safari variant in its DiCOR range - Safari GX. The current Safari DICOR range comprises three variants: LX, EX and VX. The GX, with several high end comfort and safety features, has been positioned below VX, the top end variant.
Safari GX is packed with following comfort and safety features:
- Dual tone exteriors in selected shades.
- Leather cum fabric upholstery.
- Reverse guide system with camera in rear bumper.
- ABS with EBD.
- Turn indicators on outer rear view mirrors.
- Alloy wheels.
- Available in both 4×2 and 4×4 versions.
- Power Windows.
- Power Steering.
- Remote Central Locking.
- Tubeless Tyres.
- Rear Wiper with Washer.
- Rear Defogger.
- Tiltable & Collapsible Steering Column.
Ride Quality
The safari uses independent double wishbone with torsion bar up front and coil spring suspension with 5 link at the rear, which work well; even when the car is not full of people. Shod with 235/70 R16 radials, grip is adequate on the tarmac, but the tires are definitely not meant for any kind of serious off-road adventures. The ride also has a bit of a hard edge due to the now reduced profile.
The chassis continues to be the tried and tested steel body on ladder frame type, which is quite stiff but the safari has a very heavy snout, which can prove quite a handful around corners. The only problem is that it still looks the same like when it was launched wayback in 90s. It needs major facelift and a lot of improvement in overall quality, fit and finish.
Overall, Safari is an excellent SUV, it always had image and road prescence going for it, it has a spacious cabin, which can comfortably seat 7 and loads of luggage. You can keep cruising all day long without much feeling too tired, build quality is also steadily improving, but still suffers from a few rough edges. If one is looking for a comfortable SUV that is able to do the highway and town circuit quite well.