Tata Motors just unveiled the 2021 Tata Safari, showcasing its design, engine and transmission options, interiors and features list. Unlike the older Safari, the new Safari will be based on a monocoque platform shared with the Harrier and will carry over the same engine and gearbox options. It will be available in a total of six variants. Prices have not been announced just yet.
Design
In terms of its design, the Tata Safari looks like it has spawned from the same family as the Harrier but with certain elements to set it apart. The car obviously looks longer, and it is — the rear overhang is 60mm longer to accommodate the third row of seats. However, it must be noted that the wheelbase has not changed on the Safari. Certain elements distinguish it from the Harrier — the grille is very obviously different, with tai-arrow chrome elements filling it out. It has a stepped roof much like the older Safari, and also gets roof-rails capable of carrying loads up to 130kg. Not on variants with a sunroof though. It gets xenon projector headlamps, LED DRLs and tail lamps that are similar to (but not the same as) the Harrier’s. It also gets 18-inch wheels which are one size up on the Harrier’s. The Tata Safari is based on the OmegArc platform, which has been derived from the Land Rover D8 platform.
Drivetrain
The Tata Safari gets the 2-litre FCA-sourced diesel engine that makes 168bhp and 350Nm. Interestingly, Tata has not engineered this platform with AWD capabilities citing insufficient demand for these variants from the market. It will also get the same transmission options — a six-speed manual, and a six-speed torque convertor automatic. Like the Harrier, it gets drive modes that include Sport and Eco, along with ESP Terrain Response modes that include Normal, Rough and Wet.
Interiors
The interiors of the Safari are largely reminiscent of the Harrier’s, with a few key changes. Most obvious among them is the addition of the third row of seats. But even up ahead, there are a few tweaks. There is a new black trim on the dashboard, while the upholstery is in white. It carries over the same 8.8-inch touchscreen unit from the Harrier, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 320W JBL sound system. What’s new for the Safari is iRA — Tata Motors’ suite of connected car features. iRA gives the Safari features like geofencing, time fencing, a valet mode, location sharing, live tracking, intrusion alerts, speed alerts, live vehicle diagnostics, remote unlock/ lock and over the air updates.
The Safari gets a panoramic sunroof on higher variants, but at the cost of the roof rails.
The second row of seats is offered with a bench or captain seats, making he Safari a six- or seven-seater. The third row gets its fair share of luxury as well — it gets a dedicated AC unit and AC vents, USB charger, mobile phone holder, cup holders and reading lights.
In terms of safety features, the Safari gets six airbags, an electronic parking brake, disc brakes all around, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX seat anchor points. As for the variants on offer, the Safari will be available in four variants — XE, XM, XT and XZ. The XT and XZ have the option of a panoramic sunroof.
The Safari has made a comeback in 2021 with a far more modern, stylish package, while losing out on 4x4 at the same time. We’re waiting for Tata Motors to make an official announcement about the prices. In the mean time, we’re going to be driving the new Safari and giving you the full review on February 1. Stay tuned!