Tata Motors has unveiled the revamped Safari, with bookings now open for a deposit of ₹25,000. The pricing details for the new Tata Safari will be announced on October 17th, and it is expected to be competitively priced in comparison to its rivals such as the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700. Let's see how the Safari stacks up against its competitors in this spec comparison. It's important to note that since the Tata Safari is exclusively available with a diesel engine, we will be evaluating all other vehicles in this comparison using their respective diesel engine variants.
The Tata Safari still features the Kryotec 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, generating 168bhp and 350Nm. However, it lacks a petrol engine choice, which may deter some prospective customers. The new Safari offers a choice between a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the new Safari comes with Terrain response modes (including normal, rough, and wet conditions) and various driving modes (such as eco, city, and sports).
In terms of its rivals, the Mahindra XUV700 is the most potent in this group producing 182bhp and 450Nm. The Scorpio-N closely follows with its mHawk engine producing 172bhp and 370Nm. On the other hand, the Hyundai Alcazar is the least potent producing just 115bhp and 250Nm, however it is to be noted that its running a smaller 1.5-litre turbo engine. The new Safari and MG Hector Plus are on par in terms of performance due to the fact that the Hector Plus is also equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine producing 168bhp and 350Nm. Commonly, all the vehicles offer a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission with the MG Hector Plus being an exception since it comes with a CVT option.
The new Tata Safari measures approximately 4688mm in length, 1922mm in width, and 1795mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 2741mm. In comparison to its rivals, the Safari comes in as the widest car however, it also has the smallest wheelbase. The Hyundai Alcazar is the longest in terms of wheelbase measuring 2760mm, however for length, width and height the Alcazar measures as the smallest in the group. The Mahindra Scorpio-N is the tallest in terms of height and the MG Hector Plus is longest in terms of length.
Features
The new Tata Safari boasts noteworthy upgrades in its equipment and features. Equipped with LED projector headlamps and connected LED DRLs, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera enhance convenience and visibility. Other notable features include an electronic parking brake, a wireless charger, and an air purifier with AQI display. Rain-sensing wipers,ventilated front seats, 10 JBL speakers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and an electronic parking brake add to the practicality of the new Safari. Paddle shifters with the automatic variant and 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels gives the new Safari a sporty feel. In terms of safety, it is equipped with seven airbags, ADAS suite with 11 features, and features like hill descent control and ESP with driver doze-off alert.
The Mahindra Scorpio-N is equipped with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with AdrenoX software and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also offers a wireless phone charger, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, engine stop/start, keyless entry, auto headlamps and wipers, and powered driver's seat adjustment. The vehicle's diesel versions come equipped with drive modes, while 4WD versions offer off-road drive modes. Safety is also prioritised, with front and rear parking sensors, parallel and perpendicular parking guides, ESC, four-wheel disc brakes, hill descent and hill hold capabilities, ISOFIX child seat mounts, six airbags, a TPMS, and even a drowsiness detection system.
The MG Hector Plus offers a wide array of features for convenience and safety. It is equipped with automatic headlamps and wipers, a motorised tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a portrait style 14-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with MG's advanced i-Smart connected car technology, an Infinity audio system, plush leatherette seating, and a PM 2.5 air purifier. When it comes to safety, the MG Hector includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera with a 3D mode, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), traction control, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a host of other ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and pedestrian alert.
The Hyundai Alcazar offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen equipped with connected-car technology with smartphone integration via wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.25-inch multi-display digital instrument cluster. Comfort is emphasised, with ventilated front seats, auto climate control, and a wireless phone charger. Safety and convenience are further enhanced with a tire pressure monitor, Bose sound system, air purifier, and various driving modes. The panoramic sunroof, rear window sunshades, 64-colour ambient lighting and a second-row armrest with wireless smartphone charging add to the convenience and practicality. Additionally, the Hyundai Alcazar also offers puddle lamps projecting the Hyundai logo, 18-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring system and a 360-degree surround camera.
The XUV700 comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital display and a 10.25-inch infotainment system that supports wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the vehicle features a Sony 3D audio system, smart door handles that retract seamlessly into the doors, keyless entry, an electronic parking brake, and wireless charging capabilities. On the safety front, it boasts seven airbags, including knee airbags for the driver, a blind spot monitoring system, a 360-degree camera, and level 2 ADAS features.
The price of the Tata Safari has not been announced at the moment, but Tata has officially stated that they will reveal the pricing details on October 17th. It is expected that the Safari's prices will be competitive with its rivals, likely falling in a similar price range.