Tata Motors has been making 7 seater cars for decades now. They are mostly SUVs and are a great fit for larger families who like to travel together. Starting from the legendary Tata Sumo to the Tata Aria, these were 7 seater cars at a time when such cars weren’t all that popular. Since then, Tata has launched the Hexa, and the Safari in an all new avatar. The Hexa is now off showroom floors whereas the Safari is the only nameplate from Tata’s early years that continues to be present in Tata showrooms today. So, if you are looking for a 7 seater, there are a couple of options in the form of either a used Tata Hexa or a new Tata Safari. Let’s explore these options more closely.
Tata Hexa
Tata launched the Hexa in 2017, and it was a successor to the Aria. At the time, the Hexa was an alternative to the Toyota Innova and the Mahindra XUV500. The Hexa was a premium offering for its time and the cabin offered a truly spacious experience with individual air vents for passengers being a big highlight. The captain seats were also a great addition for passenger comfort, and could only be found in a handful of offerings at the time.
Furthermore, Tata offered the Hexa with only a diesel engine, although the base model was offered in a lower state of tune and only with a 5 speed manual transmission. Other variants featured a 6 speed manual transmission and an automatic transmission option as well. Not just that, the Hexa was also offered with a 4×4 option, although it was limited to the manual transmission variant. The third row of the Hexa was also known for being spacious, and could seat adults in relative comfort.
The Hexa was known for its great features, comfortable ride, and it had 4×4! It was truly a great package, one that can be picked up for a lot less now than what it cost new, as it’s only available in the used car market. If you do go down this route, make sure that the Hexa in question has been maintained properly as old Tata cars that require new parts can make for hefty repair bills.
Tata Hexa Specifications
- Engine: 2.2 litre diesel engine
- Transmission: 5 speed MT, 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT
- Mileage: 14 km/l
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 6 seater / 7 seater
- Body Type: SUV
Tata Safari
The Tata Safari is an age-old nameplate in the Indian car market. However, in its current guise, the Safari has become a rather premium offering, compared to the rugged character it once wore as a badge. That means that for the first time ever, the Safari badge comes without any option of 4×4. Not just that, the Safari is also now a FWD (front-wheel drive) offering instead of the RWD (rear-wheel drive) format it was based upon since its inception. However, as far as size and performance go, the Safari, with its 2.0 litre diesel engine, is better than ever. You have the option to choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) transmission.
The cabin is decked with the latest features such as a crisp infotainment unit with great audio. The panoramic sunroof is a premium feature that uplifts the ambience of the cabin. The Safari also offers ventilated seats, not just in the first row, but in the second row as well, which we must add is quite a neat touch. As far as the third row is concerned, it’s suitable only for children. In the case of adults, one has to sit in a ‘knees-up’ position, which feels uncomfortable.
In terms of overall package, the Safari offers great features, ride quality and a premium ambience inside the cabin. It is best for those who are going to be using the last row to seat children.
Tata Safari Specifications
- Engine: 2.0 litre diesel
- Transmission: 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT
- Mileage: 14.5 km/l – 16.3 km.l
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 6 seater / 7 seater
- Body Type: SUV
7 Seater Tata Cars in India Summary
While most modern mass market car makers in India have recently shifted towards making 7 seater cars, Tata Motors has been on this road for decades now. This gives the Indian carmaker a leg up over its rivals as it better understands the requirements of those customers who want a 7 seater car in their garage. It is, then, no surprise that over the years, Tata Motors has offered some of the finest 7 seater cars in the Indian market.
FAQ about Tata 7 Seater Cars
Does Tata offer 7 seater cars?
When you look at Tata’s current model lineup, the Safari is the only 7 seater car sold by the Indian carmaker. In the past, Tata Motors has had models like the Hexa, Aria and Safari (previous gen models) which were also 7 seater cars.
Is Tata Safari a 6 seater or a 7 seater?
Tata Safari can be specced either as a 6 seater or a 7 seater. In the 6 seater avatar, the middle row bench seat is replaced by 2 captain seats. However, the 6 seater version can only be had in the top-spec Accomplished Plus variant.
Which is the least expensive 7 seater car sold by Tata?
The Tata Safari is the only model sold by the Indian carmaker that is a 7 seater. Its price starts at Rs. 15.49 lakh (Ex-showroom).
Should one buy a used 7 seater Tata car?
The Hexa is a 7 seater from Tata that is now exclusively available in the used car market. It is known for its robust build, comfortable ride, intuitive features and a good engine.
