Tata has finally launched the new Safari, that too in a segment populated by literal heavyweights, such as the Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500 and Hyundai Tucson, all of whom have been here since even before the Harrier (on which the new Safari is based) broke cover. However, one advantage Tata has is with regards to the Safari moniker which the new model – despite not having the four-wheel-drive go-anywhere credo of its predecessor – might still evoke enough nostalgia to ring in a few sales. For the rest of us, though, it still boils down to our individual bank balances.
Point of entry
Right off the bat, we see the Safari’s base XE variant slots in just above the Mahindra XUV500’s base W5 variant. The Rs 86,000 difference gets the Safari an electronic stability program (ESP), along with hill hold control and roll over mitigation, which is missing in the Mahindra. Now, these features do appear on the base Sport variant of the Jeep Compass, albeit with the hefty Rs 2.3 lakh price difference.
The Tucson, meanwhile, comes in feature-packed with six airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Hill start and hill descent control and even a tyre pressure monitoring system. However, all this comes in at a whopping Rs 22.3 lakh, putting it honestly at par with the range-topping variants of the others here. Speaking of which…
Cream of the crop
When pitting the top variants together, the Safari once again slots in between the XUV500 and Jeep Compass. And, except for the inclusion of four-wheel drive, the Safari doesn’t seem to lack any other crucial kit, whether it be drive modes, infotainment with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car features, a comfortable third row (complete with a dedicated AC unit, USB charger, cup holders and reading lights), and even an optional panoramic sunroof.
As expected, the Compass comes in at a premium, in this case Rs 4.5 lakh. Meanwhile, the Tucson is priced at a whopping Rs 27.03 lakh, and looks more suited to take the fight to the bigwigs like the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra Alturas G4.
Ultimately, however, we would like to point out that the Mahindra XUV500 is soon due for a significant upgrade (the likes of the one the Thar got), with the refreshed XUV500 slated for launch sometime towards the end of the year. Which way will the scales tip once that happens? We can only wait and watch!
For the full variant-wise price list, refer below: