Tata Safari: The Iconic SUV Reinvented for the Modern Era Tata Safari most certainly is a name familiar to any Indian car enthusiast.
Launched in the nation at the twilight of the last century, the SUV embodied a spirit of adventure, power, and a commanding road presence.
The modern version of the vehicle offers all things modern Indians tend to look for in a car but also stays true to the Safari DNA.
Therefore, does the new Safari perform in the already crowded market of SUVs? Let us find out.
Design: Bold, Premium, and Commanding
While Safari’s base design is quite similar to its competitors, the vehicle maintains a distinctive look.
Built on an OmegaArc platform, a modified version of the well-known Land Rover’s D8 architecture, the car has elevated strength and elegance.
The front fascia contains Tata’s distinctive grille design with LED daytime running lights and projector headlamps on the sides.
The lateral outline of the car is even more impressive; in part due to the massive alloy wheels, the roof rails, and the outstanding character lines.
Moreover, the imbedded roof and the broad panoramic sunroof pay homage to the Safari’s first generation.
On the highway, the Safari is composed and planted, and effortless covers long distances.
The suspension is dialed in for comfort, mopping up potholes and rough patches with aplomb.
Though it’s a front-wheel-drive SUV (don’t get your hopes up — 4×4 isn’t an option at the moment), it’s still capable of a spot of light off-roading thanks to its terrain response modes.
The engine is smooth (for its class) but some would argue it is a bit grumbly under hard-throttle acceleration. It’s a bit of a handful in the city due to its size, but the light steering at low speeds is useful there.
Interiors and Features
Step in and the Tata Safari leaves a very good first impression with its very roomy and premium cabin.
Seating six or seven, the Safari includes a luxurious leatherette interior, a fully adjustable driver cockpit, and leg room to spare in each of its seats.
The captain seats of the six seater, in particular, set a lounge like experience.
Notable features include a big touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a premium JBL audio system, connected car technology, ambient interior lighting and an electric parking brake. T
he panoramic sunroof also helps make the cabin feel more spacious and airy.
Safety tech on offer includes six airbags (on top trims), ESP, hill-hold control, traction control and all-disc brakes make it one of the safest in its class.
Pros
High road presence: Looks the part of a full-size SUV with a hint of premium appeal.
Open and comfortable cabin: Great for families with plenty of seating and boot space.
Sharp suspension: Eats up roads rough and long alike.
Loaded with features: Modern infotainment, connected tech, sunroof and more.
Solid construction: Seems solid and secure on the road.
Cons
No AWD or 4×4 option: Reduces its off-road ability compared to some competitors.
But the tail can wag the dog in cities: In these tight confines, parking and maneuvering call for attention to detail.
Diesel-only engine choice: There’s no petrol or hybrid versions for those looking for an alternative.
Infotainment system can be sluggish: Software could do with some polish.
Top trim can get dear: Fully loaded versions verge into premium-brand territory.
Tata Safari: Final Verdict
The Tata Safari strikes an impressive balance of heritage and contemporary.
It’s big, roomy and imposing while being a family car and an SUV at the same time all at once.
Sure, it’s not the most hardcore off-roader or the techiest SUV in its class, but then it never needed to be — comfort, safety and style are what matter here and it has all those in spades.
However, if you are in the market for a competent, upmarket SUV that is made-for-India, the Safari continues to be a good pick.