Tata Safari Dhamaka: Is It Worth Rs. 15.49 Lakh?
Are you in the market for a powerful and stylish SUV that can handle both city streets and off-road adventures? Look no further than the Tata Safari. This iconic Indian SUV has undergone a major transformation, offering a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and versatility. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Let’s find out!
A Brief History of the Tata Safari
The Tata Safari has been a household name in India since its launch in 1998. It was one of the first homegrown SUVs to capture the imagination of Indian car enthusiasts. Over the years, the Safari has evolved significantly, keeping pace with changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
In 2021, Tata Motors unveiled a completely redesigned Safari, built on the OMEGARC platform derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. This new avatar of the Safari combines the ruggedness of its predecessors with modern styling and features, making it a formidable competitor in the mid-size SUV segment.
The latest iteration of the Safari, launched in 2023, brings even more refinements and features to the table. But does it live up to its legacy? Let’s dive into the details.
Exterior Design: Commanding Presence on the Road
The Tata Safari’s exterior design is a perfect blend of muscular proportions and sleek lines. At first glance, you’ll notice its imposing front grille, flanked by sleek LED DRLs and projector headlamps. The chrome accents add a touch of sophistication to its rugged appearance.
Moving to the side profile, the Safari’s strong character lines and large 18-inch alloy wheels give it a dynamic stance. The signature stepped roof design, a hallmark of the Safari lineage, has been retained, adding to its distinctive look.
At the rear, the split LED taillights connected by a light bar create a modern and premium appearance. The dual exhaust tips and skid plate further enhance its sporty character.
Interior Comfort: A Luxurious Cabin Experience
Step inside the Tata Safari, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The dashboard features a clean, horizontal design with premium soft-touch materials and wood inserts. The centerpiece is a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which looks modern and is easy to use.
The Safari offers seating for either 6 or 7 passengers, depending on the variant. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. The second-row captain seats (in the 6-seater version) are particularly luxurious, offering a premium travel experience.
Some standout interior features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 9-speaker JBL audio system
- Wireless charging
- Multi-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Tata Safari is powered by a 2.0-liter Kryotec turbocharged diesel engine. This powerplant delivers a robust 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Safari’s performance on the road is impressive. The engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The automatic transmission, in particular, offers smooth shifts and makes driving in traffic a breeze.
When it comes to handling, the Safari surprises with its agility despite its size. The steering is well-weighted and provides good feedback. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and stability, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining composure around corners.
Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones
Tata Motors has equipped the Safari with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Some of the key safety highlights include:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold Control
- Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Traction control
- 360-degree camera
- Tire pressure monitoring system
The Safari has also received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, underscoring its strong build quality and crash protection capabilities.
Technology and Connectivity
The Tata Safari is packed with modern technology features to keep you connected and entertained on the go. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
Other notable tech features include:
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Connected car technology with over 70 features
- Voice commands
- Remote vehicle controls via smartphone app
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
These features ensure that the Safari stays up-to-date with the latest technology trends, enhancing both convenience and driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy
Given its size and power, the Tata Safari delivers respectable fuel efficiency figures. According to ARAI ratings, the manual variant offers a mileage of 16.3 km/l, while the automatic version returns 14.5 km/l.
In real-world conditions, you can expect slightly lower figures, especially in city driving. However, the Safari’s fuel efficiency is competitive within its segment, making it a practical choice for both daily commutes and long road trips.
Price and Variants
The Tata Safari is available in multiple variants to cater to different budgets and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the ex-showroom prices (Delhi) for different variants:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Smart | ₹15.49 Lakh |
| Pure | ₹17.99 Lakh |
| Adventure | ₹20.99 Lakh |
| Accomplished | ₹23.99 Lakh |
| Accomplished+ Dark Edition | ₹26.79 Lakh |
While the Safari’s price may seem steep compared to some competitors, it offers good value considering its features, build quality, and brand reputation.
Competition: How Does the Safari Stack Up?
The Tata Safari faces stiff competition in the mid-size SUV segment. Its main rivals include:
- Mahindra XUV700
- MG Hector Plus
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Jeep Meridian
Compared to its competitors, the Safari stands out with its strong road presence, spacious interiors, and robust build quality. However, some rivals offer petrol engine options and more advanced ADAS features, which the Safari currently lacks.
Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options
Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of the Tata Safari:
Pros:
- Imposing design and road presence
- Spacious and comfortable interiors
- Strong build quality and safety features
- Powerful diesel engine
- Feature-rich cabin
Cons:
- No petrol engine option
- Higher variants can be expensive
- Lack of advanced ADAS features
- Fuel efficiency could be better
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. Is the Tata Safari available in a 4×4 variant?
Currently, Tata does not offer a 4×4 variant of the Safari. All variants come with front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration.
Q2. What is the warranty offered on the Tata Safari?
Tata offers a standard warranty of 2 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) on the Safari. Extended warranty options are also available.
Q3. Does the Safari come with a sunroof?
Yes, higher variants of the Safari come equipped with a panoramic sunroof, adding to the premium feel of the cabin.
Q4. How does the Safari compare to the Mahindra XUV700 in terms of features?
Both SUVs offer a rich feature set, but the XUV700 has an edge with its ADAS features. The Safari, however, offers better interior space and a more commanding road presence.
Q5. Is the Tata Safari suitable for off-roading?
While the Safari is capable of handling light off-road conditions, it’s not designed for hardcore off-roading due to the lack of a 4×4 system.
The Tata Safari has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving into a sophisticated and capable SUV. With its striking design, spacious interiors, and robust performance, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a premium SUV experience.
While it may not be the cheapest option in its segment, the Safari justifies its price tag with its strong build quality, safety features, and brand value. If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV that combines comfort, style, and performance, the Tata Safari definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Ultimately, whether the Safari is worth its Rs. 15.49 lakh starting price depends on your specific needs and preferences. We recommend taking a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand before making a decision. Happy SUV hunting!
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