TATA Safari is not just a car; it’s a name that evokes nostalgia, pride, and a sense of adventure for Indian automobile lovers. Once hailed as India’s first premium SUV, the Safari has made a powerful comeback with a modern avatar that blends legacy with innovation. Reintroduced by Tata Motors with fresh styling, advanced features, and a strong road presence, the new Tata Safari is proving itself as a worthy contender in the competitive SUV segment.
Design That Commands Respect
From the first glance, the new Tata Safari stands out with its muscular stance and sophisticated design. The bold chrome-finished grille, projector headlamps, and signature LED DRLs give it a commanding front fascia. The side profile is accentuated by roof rails, bold shoulder lines, and R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, adding to its rugged-yet-premium appeal.
Tata has struck a balance between urban sophistication and outdoor ruggedness. The rear section, with its LED tail lamps and chrome embellishments, enhances the SUV’s bold identity. Overall, the Safari is a perfect fusion of elegance and strength.
Spacious and Premium Interiors
Step inside the Tata Safari and you’re greeted by a luxurious and tech-laden cabin. The interiors are plush, with Oyster White leatherette upholstery, an 8.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, premium soft-touch materials, and a panoramic sunroof that adds to the airy feel.
The Safari offers both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, with captain seats in the former for enhanced comfort. Rear passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom, making it an ideal choice for long family road trips. The third row is surprisingly usable, especially for teenagers and shorter adults.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Tata Safari is powered by a 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine that delivers 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Despite being a front-wheel-drive SUV, the Safari handles varied terrain confidently, thanks to its Terrain Response Modes – Normal, Wet, and Rough.
The ride quality is excellent, particularly over potholes and rough roads, owing to the OmegaArc platform (borrowed from the Land Rover D8 architecture). The suspension is tuned for comfort, and highway cruising is effortless.
Features and Technology
Tata Safari comes loaded with modern features, making it a tech-savvy SUV. Highlights include:
- 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- iRA connected car tech with voice commands
- JBL 9-speaker premium audio system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless charger
- Air purifier
- Automatic climate control
- 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support
These features make the Safari a feature-rich SUV, keeping it competitive in its segment.
Safety Comes First
Safety is one of Tata’s biggest strengths, and the Safari is no exception. It’s built on a high-strength steel structure and offers a host of safety features like:
- Six airbags
- ESP with hill hold control
- Hill descent control
- Traction control
- Cornering stability
- Roll-over mitigation
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- All-disc brakes
- Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
Tata has also ensured the Safari meets and exceeds global safety standards, which builds consumer confidence.
Variants and Pricing
Tata Safari is available in multiple variants: XE, XM, XT, XZ, and their respective “+” versions, offering various combinations of manual and automatic transmissions. Prices in India start from around ₹16 lakh and go up to ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and options.
Tata has also introduced Dark and Adventure editions for buyers looking for a more distinct visual appeal, along with the new Red Dark edition that features red inserts and blacked-out themes.
Why Choose the Tata Safari?
- Proven reliability from Tata Motors
- Spacious and family-friendly interior
- Premium materials and tech features
- Bold road presence and stylish design
- Diesel engine with good highway performance
- Excellent ride quality and comfort
- Competitive pricing for the features offered
Conclusion: A Legend Reborn
The Tata Safari is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of aspiration and legacy. With its new-age design, strong build quality, and premium offerings, it lives up to its iconic name. Whether you are a loyalist who grew up admiring the original Safari or a modern buyer looking for a reliable family SUV, the new Tata Safari ticks all the right boxes. It’s a vehicle that carries the past with pride while embracing the future with boldness.
