Tata Safari (2021)

Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

The first-gen Tata Safari was introduced in 1998 by the homegrown automobile manufacturer Tata Motors. This mid-size SUV has gone through various updates in the past few years. Nowadays, many automakers are reintroducing their SUVs with captain seats and other significant changes. In this way, the Tata company has also launched its 2021 model, Tata Safari, compliant with BS6 norms.

This all-new model was initially named Buzzard in 2019 and later shown as Gravitas at the Auto Expo in 2020. It was, however, released under the name Safari in January 2021. The new Tata Safari comes with several driving modes, including Eco, City, and Sport, as well as hill control and cruise control.

Tata Safari Design & Style

This just-launched Safari is only getting the name Safari; otherwise, it has no similarity with the previous versions. The new Tata Safari’s architecture is OMRGARC (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced Architecture), which is derived from the Land Rover’s D8 platform. It comes with a chrome-studded tri-arrow front grille, roof rails with Safari branding, HID Xenon projector headlamps coupled with dual function LED DRLs, and 3D LED taillamps.

As per the body dimensions, the new model SUV is 4661 mm in length, 1894 mm in width, and 1786 mm in height, with a 2741 mm wheelbase. The panoramic sunroof is available to enhance the riding quality. Roof rails are also available in non-sunroof variants to carry items weighing up to 75 kg. The plastic coating on the D-pillar slides down as an extension of the roof rail.

Tata Safari Interior Space

While talking about the interiors of this recently presented SUV, the company has loaded the new Safari with plenty of astonishing features such as a 6-way powered driver seat with adjustable lumbar support to comfort the lower back, 6 airbags, luxurious captain seats, a 3rd-row offered with separate air vents, cup holders, adjustable headrests, reading lights, two USB ports, and three-point seat belts.

The most significant thing about the interior is that the cabin is spacious enough. It is an oyster-white color theme with 3 rows of stadium seating. The 3rd-row seats are equally as comfortable as the other two rows, with ample headspace and leg space. The passengers may even relocate the front-row seats from the second row using a function known as "Boss Mode".

With the seating adjustability, users have the option of choosing various modes according to their requirements. These are called "experience modes" and are available as an executive, jamming, beach, camping, family drive, weekend, and golf mode. Besides this, child seat Isofix anchor points are available on rear seats.

Tata Safari Dashboard & Instrument Console

Looking forward to the dashboard of this stylish SUV, the grey-finished ashwood trim complements the rich-looking all-white upholstery. The centre of the console is equipped with an 8.8-inch Floating Island infotainment system that has an advanced 22.35cm high-resolution touchscreen supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

This new model comes with iRA connected car technology, which offers multiple features such as gamification, remote commanding, over-the-air updates and more. For the best sound quality possible, the new Safari has nine JBL speakers. The premium 320W audio system is available with 4 speakers, 4 tweeters, and 1 subwoofer with an amplifier.

Furthermore, the digital analogue cluster displays the tyre pressure and other crucial information. The SUV has ambient lights, fully automatic temperature control with HVAC, rain-sensing wipers, start-stop push-button, electrically adjustable and foldable outside mirrors, reverse camera parking, automatic headlamps, and a cooled storage box between the front seats.

Tata Safari Engine & Gearbox

Moreover, 2023 Tata Safari is powered by a BS6-compliant Kryotec 2.0L turbocharged, 1956cc, in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine that churns out 170 HP of power at 3750 rpm and 350 NM of torque at 1750–2500 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Also, it comes with advanced ESP terrain response modes such as normal, rough, and wet to make the driving smooth and safe.

Tata Safari Variants and Color Options

The new model of Safari is available in 10 variants, which are XE, XM, XMA, XT, XT Plus, XTA Plus, XZ, XZA, XZ Plus, and XZA Plus. This SUV comes in six and seven-seat configurations, depending on the model. Oberon Black, White Gold, Black Gold, Royal Blue, Tropical Mist, Daytona Grey, Orcus White, and Tropical Mist Adventure are seven available paint choices.

Tata Safari Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

As for the braking duties of the SUV, it comes with front and rear disc brakes and electronic parking brakes with auto hold. 2023 Tata Safari is supported by an independent, lower wishbone, McPherson strut suspension with coil spring and anti roll bar up front and a semi-independent twist blade suspension with Panhard rod and coil spring up back. It has 235/70-R16 steel wheels in the XE, XM, and XMS variants, whereas the other variants have 235/60-R18 alloy wheels along with the 235/70-R16 size spare wheel.

Tata Safari Top Speed and Mileage

Furthermore, this brand-new SUV offers a 175+ kmph top speed. The kerb weight of the car is 1825 kg, but still, it gives better speed and sprints from a standstill to 100 kmph in around 11.48 seconds. When it comes to mileage, the new Safari is equipped with a 50-liter fuel tank and provides 16.14 kmpl as per ARAI. However, the mileage can vary according to the driver and the user.

Verdict - Should You Buy Tata Safari or not?

In the end, this newly launched Tata Safari is no doubt an outstanding SUV by Tata Motors, which offers enhanced levels of comfort and an excellent driving experience. But still, it has some flaws, such as no AWD feature and it is no longer a rugged and off-road SUV compared to its previous versions. However, the brand has loaded this new launch with all-new technologies to make it a tough competitor for the other SUVs in its segment.