Tata Safari DiCOR (2017)

Synopsis

When the Tata Safari initially hit the market it was taken as a symbolic representation of adventure and freedom. With the passage of time however many foreign manufacturers released their own versions of the utility vehicle into the Indian market with the result that the Tata Safari fell out of fashion. To match up to the raised standards set by the foreign companies Tata reintroduced an enhanced version of the Safari known as the Safari DiCOR (Direct Injection Common Rail Diesel).

Tata Motors India has launched an upgraded model of Safari which is bullet-proof and can withstand AK-47 rifle fire and hand grenade explosion. Even the glasses of armoured Safari can resist attack from small arms. Tata launched Safari in India in 1990s and till now it has managed to develop its own market with huge fan following. It is first choice among prospective buyers who wants to own a comfortable, feature rich and affordable sports utility vehicle.

The bullet-proof version of Safari has been priced around 60 lakh rupees which seems to be quite reasonable considering the fact it is the only bullet-proof SUV available for this price. This variant of Safari is powered by the same 2200cc diesel engine which is technically very sound and is also fuel efficient. Bullet-proof Safari is not on display at the dealers but you can place your order with them and it will be delivered in one month or so.

Exterior

As most Indian customers like their cars big and bulky, the birth of sports utility vehicles became an undoubted success in the country. As the saying goes, the bigger something is the better. Back in 1991, Tata Motors Ltd has come up with the concept of SUV and was the first vehicle manufacturer in India to introduce such model which they called as the Tata Sierra. This model was followed by the release of Tata Sumo and the famous Tata Safari. As the years went by, Tata Sierra’s massive production was ended, but still, Tata Safari is in the game.

Through constant research and tests, the original SUV has been transformed into various models. The Safari Storme is the fourth advancement on this segment and is one of the most promising models as well. The outside design of this vehicle had gone through some major changes which can be easily noticed. This exciting vehicle, Safari Storme, was revamped with a new hood and forward-facing grille that comes with a chrome stripe. The front grille comes with the car’s logo, Storme, embossed on it. The headlamps are carefully attached to the grille, making the vehicle’s front look more masculine. The outline of the Tata Storme is identical to Safari’s silhouette however the Storme comes with more chrome plated parts such as the back view mirrors. As Indians define chrome as a symbol of elegance, Tata Motors has given the Storme the touch that is mostly asked for.

Interior

Apart from the luxurious external design, the Tata Safari has been dressed with very eye-catching dual tone beige interiors. It comes with a dual tone beige dash board that is loaded with cutting-edge graphic instrument collection and leather fabric. Other exciting features that make Tata Safari’s interiors sophisticated are the leather covers for the steering wheel and gear shift knob, Central Console Finish, the indicators on the ORVM, the embossed Safari logo on the front seats headrests, roof mounted rear AC Vents and headrest mounted LCD screens on front seats.

These features make Tata Safari a one of a kind ride in terms of looks and comfort. Tata Safari is not only a classy SUV model when it comes to outside appearance because it is loaded with lots of advanced luxurious features thus offering more comfort for a pleasurable travelling experience. The wonderful features installed in this vehicle are AC with HVAC (Heating Ventilation and AC), Tilted Power Steering, Roof Mounted Rear AV Vent, Electrically Adjustable Side Rear View Mirror, Power Windows, Electrically Operated Remote Fuel Flap, Digital Outside Temperature Indicator, On Board Advanced Music System, Key-less Entry, Height Adjustable Driver Seat, Arm Rest on Driver and Co Driver Side, 3 Positions Lumbar Support For Front Seats, 60:40 Spilt and Completely Folding Middle Row Seats, Cigarette Lighter in Front Console, Ash Tray at Front and Middle Rows, Cup Holders on Floor Console, Electrical Rear Glass Demister, Rear Wash and Wiper, Follow Me Home feature that brightens the car’s path after parking, Front Roof Lamp cum Spot Reading, Glove Box Lamp, Lamps with Delay Function, Adjustable Light Intensity on Instrument Panel, Coat Hooks on Door, Puddle Lamps on Front Door, Digital Trip and Tachometer, Storage Net in Luggage Compartment Analogue Clock on Center Console and Magazine Pockets in the Door Pads.

Shades

Tata Safari is available in following shades: Mountain Green, Passion Red, Artic White, Pearl White, Light Gold, Cycus Grey, Quartz Black, Artic Silver and Steel Blue.

Safety Features

Aside from controls that are easy to navigate, Tata Safari comes with a remote central locking system that protects the car from intrusion. It also comes with parking sensors for ease when it comes to parking and fog lamps to aid drivers during unfavourable weather conditions. It comes with a terrific supply of active and passive protective gears such as dual airbags, central locking and child safety lock, automatic break system with EBD, reverse guide system, side impact bars, rear fog lamps with reflex reflector, motorized headlamp adjustments, headlamps on key-out warning and other safety features to help prevent injuries during a roll over or a crash.

Engine and Gearbox

Before the Indica was released, Tata Motors was focusing on producing service vehicles like the Sierra and Sumo. Later on it was followed by the Safari line in the latter half of 1990 to 2000 where in Tata Motors had then announced the release of Safari that comes with a 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine with 90 brake horse power. Far along, Tata Motors had even created an option for a 2.1 litre engine with 135 brake horse power petrol engine on Safari. Although this change did not satisfy many car buyers due to its lower mileage, Tata never stopped making innovations to perfect the needs of their customers. After some feedback from customers that Safari is under-powered, the company has launched the new Safari with a 3.0 litre DiCOR engine that picked up the engine block concept from Tata 407 thus giving the vehicle a common rail regulator train.

Today, the Tata Safari also comes with a 2.2 litre DiCOR engine which is preferred by many customers. DiCOR actually stands for Direct Injection Common Rail. In contrast to the agricultural origins of this engine, an ultramodern Delphi Multitec 1600 bar fully electronic Common Rail Direct Injection System does the job of supplying fuel. This is able to provide the consumer best all round performance in acceleration, noise reduction and overall control patented adaptive learning technology. The DiCOR VTT engine develops maximum power of 140 Bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1700 rpm. The gearbox now has been totally revamped and as the Tata engineers explained is a grounds up effort. The Safari uses double-cone synchro rings in the gearbox, hence shifting is much easier; Tata could now work on reducing the travel perhaps. The clutch though as good, its quite heavy and is unable to keep the vibrations of the motor at bay. 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-aging process.

Features

Safari GX is packed with these 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 version, Power Windows, Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, Tubeless Tyres, Rear Wiper with Washer, Rear Defogger and Tilt-able & Collapsible Steering Column.

The top model VX comes with all of the above features plus dual SRS airbags, full leather interiors, MP3/DVD Player with Dual LCD Screens. The Safari is generally well kitted out for the size and the price. Safari was the first vehicle in India to offer the Reverse Guide System using a camera in the rear bumper and the Internal Rear-view Mirror as the Screen.