Tata Safari: In the competitive landscape of Indian automotive market, Tata Motors has once again raised the bar with its latest iteration of the iconic Safari SUV.
The new Tata Safari facelift stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering premium experiences without the premium price tag.
With a strategic infusion of features typically associated with luxury European brands like BMW, Tata has created a compelling proposition that bridges the gap between affordability and luxury.
Tata Safari A Legacy Reborn with Modern Sophistication
The Tata Safari has long held a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers, representing ruggedness and reliability since its inception. However, the latest facelift takes this beloved SUV into new territory, embracing a design philosophy that balances commanding presence with contemporary elegance.
The exterior transformation is immediately noticeable with the introduction of a width-spanning LED DRL that creates a distinctive signature front face. This design element, reminiscent of premium European SUVs, gives the Safari an upscale appearance that stands out in traffic.
The vertical LED headlamps flanking this impressive light bar are complemented by a connected LED tail lamp setup at the rear, creating a cohesive and modern lighting architecture that enhances the vehicle’s premium appeal.
Tata hasn’t merely focused on superficial aesthetics; the Safari’s silhouette has been refined to emphasize its substantial dimensions. Standing at 4668mm in length and 1922mm in width, with a commanding height of 1795mm, the new Safari makes a powerful statement on the road.
The 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on higher variants further elevate its presence, adding a touch of sophistication that’s typically found in luxury SUVs costing twice as much.
Cabin Craftsmanship: Where Budget Meets BMW-Esque Luxury
Step inside the new Safari, and you’re greeted by an interior atmosphere that challenges preconceptions about what’s possible in this price segment.
The cabin’s design and execution represent perhaps the most significant leap toward premium territory, with numerous touches that echo those found in much more expensive European luxury vehicles.
The dashboard is anchored by an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, creating a continuous visual interface similar to the BMW Curved Display concept.
This dual-screen setup not only looks premium but offers intuitive access to the vehicle’s myriad features and settings.
Material quality has received considerable attention, with soft-touch surfaces adorning frequently contacted areas. The leatherette upholstery with decorative stitching brings a level of sophistication typically associated with luxury brands.
The illuminated Tata logo on the four-spoke steering wheel serves as a subtle nod to similar features found in BMW vehicles, where illuminated badges have become a distinctive brand signature.
One of the most impressive BMW-inspired features is the ambient lighting system. With 64 customizable color options, it transforms the cabin’s atmosphere according to the driver’s mood – a feature directly comparable to the ambient lighting systems found in premium German luxury vehicles.
Technology Confluence: Smart Features from Premium Playbooks
The technology integration in the new Safari represents a significant advancement for Tata Motors, with several features drawn from the premium segment playbook.
The voice-assisted panoramic sunroof with mood lighting creates an airy, expansive feeling in the cabin while adding a touch of sophistication through voice command functionality. This feature, previously exclusive to luxury marques, demonstrates Tata’s commitment to democratizing premium experiences.
The hands-free, gesture-controlled power tailgate is another luxury-inspired feature that has made its way into the Safari. This convenient addition eliminates the need to manually handle the tailgate when your hands are full – a thoughtful touch typically found in upmarket SUVs.
Perhaps most impressively, the Safari now offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 11 vital functions including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Departure Warning.
This comprehensive safety suite mirrors those found in premium European SUVs, bringing advanced safety features to a much more accessible price point.
The connected car technology with iRA 2.0 offers over 50 smart features, including remote engine start-stop, climate control operation via smartphone, and extensive vehicle monitoring capabilities. Alexa Voice Command integration further enhances the futuristic feel of the Safari’s technology suite.
Comfort Redefined: Premium Touches Throughout
Comfort features in the new Safari have been thoughtfully curated to deliver a premium experience for all occupants. The ventilated front seats have been supplemented with the segment-first ventilated second-row seats in the 6-seater configuration, a feature that addresses the specific climatic needs of Indian consumers while matching offerings from luxury brands.
The driver’s seat comes with 6-way power adjustment and memory function, allowing for personalized comfort settings that can be recalled at the touch of a button.
This level of customization, along with the dual-zone climate control system with voice command capability, creates a first-class experience typically associated with luxury European models.
Audio performance hasn’t been overlooked either, with a premium 10-speaker JBL sound system delivering an immersive listening experience throughout the cabin. The sound quality and distribution rival those of much more expensive vehicles, making every journey a pleasure for audiophiles.
Performance and Handling: European Finesse Meets Indian Practicality
While maintaining its robust underpinnings, the new Safari offers a driving experience that has been refined to deliver both capability and comfort.
The powerful 2.0-liter Kryotec diesel engine produces 167.67 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, delivering confident performance in various driving conditions.
The engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic, providing options for different driving preferences. The automatic transmission, in particular, offers a refined shifting experience that enhances the premium feel of the vehicle.
Ride quality has been tuned to deliver a balance of comfort and control, with the suspension system effectively absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure during dynamic driving.
The steering provides good feedback and precision, making the Safari surprisingly agile for its size – attributes typically associated with European premium SUVs.
The drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to their preferences and driving conditions, adding another layer of sophistication to the driving experience. This adaptability is a hallmark of premium vehicles that has been successfully implemented in the Safari.
Safety Paramount: European Standards at Indian Prices
Safety has been given top priority in the new Safari, with a comprehensive suite of features that would be at home in any premium European SUV.
The vehicle’s robust structure has earned it a 5-star safety rating from both Global and Bharat NCAP, confirming its excellent crash protection capabilities.
Standard safety features include seven airbags (including a driver knee airbag), Electronic Stability Program with 17 functionalities, all-wheel disc brakes, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. Higher variants add the ADAS suite mentioned earlier, bringing the Safari’s safety credentials firmly into premium territory.
The blind-view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning systems provide additional layers of protection that were once exclusive to luxury vehicles, making advanced safety accessible to a broader audience.
Value Proposition: Premium Features Without the Premium Price Tag
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the new Safari is its value proposition. With prices starting at ₹15.50 lakh and ranging to ₹27.25 lakh (ex-showroom), it delivers many features and experiences typically associated with European luxury SUVs that cost two to three times as much.
This positioning allows aspiring premium SUV buyers to access many of the features, comforts, and technologies they desire without stretching to the financial extremes required for European luxury brands. The Safari effectively bridges the gap between mass-market and premium segments, creating its own niche in the process.
Competitive Edge: How the Safari Stacks Up
In the fiercely competitive SUV segment, the new Safari distinguishes itself through its combination of size, features, and value. When compared to direct competitors like the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar, the Safari offers a compelling blend of road presence, premium features, and brand heritage.
Against more expensive options like the BMW X1 (priced from approximately ₹45 lakh), the Safari delivers many comparable features and experiences at nearly half the price.
While it may not match the absolute refinement and brand prestige of its German counterparts, it brings many of their signature elements within reach of a much broader audience.
The Safari Experience: Ownership Insights
Early ownership experiences with the new Safari have been largely positive, with owners particularly appreciating the vehicle’s road presence, ride quality, and feature set. The commanding driving position provides excellent visibility, while the spacious cabin offers genuine comfort for all occupants.
Some owners have reported minor electronic quirks that have been addressed through software updates, demonstrating Tata’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The after-sales service experience has also received praise, with Tata Motors investing significantly in enhancing customer support infrastructure.
Fuel efficiency remains reasonable for a vehicle of this size and capability, with the manual variant delivering an ARAI-rated 16.3 kmpl and the automatic managing 14.1 kmpl. These figures, while not class-leading, are acceptable given the Safari’s size and performance capabilities.
Future-Ready: The Safari’s Path Forward
The new Safari represents not just a significant evolution for the nameplate but also a statement of intent from Tata Motors regarding its premium aspirations.
By successfully incorporating many features and experiences previously associated with luxury European brands like BMW, Tata has demonstrated its capability to elevate its offerings while maintaining their fundamental value proposition.
Looking ahead, the Safari is well-positioned to continue this upward trajectory, potentially incorporating even more advanced features and technologies as they become accessible.
The groundwork has been laid for the Safari to maintain its position as a premium yet accessible option in the Indian automotive landscape.
Tata Safari Conclusion: Redefining Premium at a Budget
The new Tata Safari facelift successfully challenges conventional notions about what’s possible in its price segment. By thoughtfully incorporating features, designs, and technologies inspired by premium European brands like BMW, Tata has created a vehicle that delivers many luxury touchpoints without the luxury price tag.
For consumers aspiring to premium experiences but constrained by practical budget considerations, the Safari represents an ideal compromise – a vehicle that satisfies both emotional and practical needs without requiring financial overreach.
It exemplifies the evolving sophistication of Indian automotive manufacturing, demonstrating that premium experiences can indeed be democratized.
In bringing BMW-esque features to a budget-friendly package, the new Safari doesn’t just elevate itself – it raises expectations for what mainstream brands can achieve and delivers a compelling proposition that’s uniquely positioned in the market.
It stands as proof that luxury inspirations can be successfully translated into accessible realities, creating new possibilities for discerning consumers who previously had to choose between aspiration and practicality.
With its combination of size, presence, features, and value, the new Tata Safari establishes itself as more than just an upgraded version of a familiar nameplate – it represents a new approach to premium accessibility that could well influence the broader automotive landscape in the years to come.