Complete Guide to Buying a Tata Safari

The Tata Safari was launched in 1991 as the first indigenous premium SUV and has always commanded a loyal fan following. The new Safari is attractive, plush,well-equipped, and comes with a genuinely usable third row that makes a compelling case for itself. Based on the OMEGARC architecture derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform, Tata’s new flagship scores where it matters as a great three row SUV for families. The Tata Safari looks upmarket due to Tata’s IMPACT 2.0 design policy, offering a smooth and powerful ride with fine driving dynamics, and great all-round visibility. 

Tata Safari Specifications

Why you should consider the Tata Safari

You’re in the market for a new family SUV and have your heart set on a full size one. Let us give you a few compelling reasons to buy a Tata Safari.

Unmatched Safety

In terms of safety, the Tata Safari has ABS with EBD, ESP with hill hold control and traction control, corner stability control, roll over mitigation; that are standard fitments across all variants. Go up a variant or two and the safety features increase proportionately with the top end models having ADAS as well. You need not worry for the safety of your family or friends being safe in the knowledge that the Tata Safari will protect them from any untoward incident.

Powerful Engine and powertrain

The Tata Safari is longer, taller and heavier than the Harrier on which it is based, sharing the same powertrain and performance features. However, the thrill factor has not been compromised. The Kryotec turbo diesel engine gets to 100 kmph in 11.48 seconds. You won’t be lacking for speed or power during overtaking manoeuvres. The power is instantly on tap and you can feel the difference in performance when you toggle between the Eco and Sport modes provided. The Tata Safari has a normal mode, along with a Wet road mode and a Rough road mode for when the going gets tougher. The ride is butter smooth, whether you have a manual, or with the quick shifting converter allied to the punchy diesel. The new Tata Safari has sound levels that are also on manageable levels with the normally loud chatter of the diesel engine being relatively quieter thanks to the BS6 norm compliance.

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Premium and spacious cabin

The Tata Safari has a cabin is loaded with features as seems to be the norm nowadays with Tata Motors, with ADAS joining the feature suite on the top end variants. The front passenger area features a clean dashboard with well-laid out controls and a minimal centre console that features the drive mode selector and electronic parking brake. The high seating translates to a clear sightline, giving a great commanding view even to the rear passengers because of the theatre-like seating, which places them higher. Further adding to the luxury inside the Tata Safari are the panoramic sunroof and JBL sound system that makes the cabin a home away from home. 

The Tata Safari can seat two adults in relative comfort in the third row providing little touches like rear AC vents, USB ports and reading lamps among others. The headroom is good due to the stepped roof and even legroom can be more generous if the second row passengers sit a little forward. An added bonus is being able to fold the third row in a 60:40 split allowing you greater room for luggage.

Why you should not consider the Tata Safari

There is no such thing as a perfect package. Each purchase has a few built in compromises that might be a deal breaker for you. Let us point out a few things that the Tata Safari could have done better.

Missing Features

The one feature of the Tata Safari which lets the cabin down is the infotainment screen. The competition’s screens are far larger. The 8.8 inch touchscreen infotainment display makes the icons tiny and extremely difficult to operate while driving. Tata Motors addressed this shortcoming in the Red Dark edition which does feature a bigger 10.25 inch touchscreen. Advance reports and leaks suggest this would in all probability find its way to the Tata Safari facelift expected by October this year.

Other features which should also have been present are 360 degree camera, wireless charging and electric tailgate. These omissions are even more glaring because of the positioning of the Tata Safari as a premium SUV.

No AWD or 4×4 option

The other headline omission is the switch from a 4X4 wheel drive to a front wheel one.  The Tata Safari has a legacy of always being a capable offroader and it will disappoint quite a few that not even an AWD option has been provided. Contrast this to its competition, like the Hyundai Alcazar which has AWD and Mahindra XUV700 which comes with 4X4 options. However,the new Tata Safari comes with monocoque construction instead of the old ladder on frame one. This means that handling dynamics, cornering capabilities and ability to handle rough roads has improved.

Boot Space

The Tata Safari has a total boot space of only 73 litres with the third row in operation. This limits your ability to travel on long getaways or weekend trips with your family. The storage space would be able to accommodate two small size bags only. You would be able to take short day trips only. There is an option of buying the Tata Safari variants with load bearing roof rails which would allow you to carry 130 Kg more with a luggage rack. However, were you to do so, you would have to sacrifice the option of the panoramic sunroof which would compromise that feeling of spaciousness and airiness inside the cabin.

Fit and Finish

There are gaps between body panels while shortcomings are present in the build quality of the Tata Safari which need to be addressed. Seeing them, you begin to wonder how many rattles and creaks will creep in over time. Inside, the first impression the cabin gives is of premium quality. But take a closer look, some of the materials in the Tata Safari also leave you thinking how well they’ll age. Certain plastics in the cabin look rough cut as well. Tata Motors has upped its game in a big way but it needs to pay much more attention to these small details. The Tata Safari is a car that competes with the likes of MG Hector, Hyundai Creta and Mahindra XUV 700, none of whom slip up in quality control. Tata Motors has to ensure it gives a prospective customer no choice other than to prefer its car over others.

Tata Safari Variants

The Tata Safari comes with only a diesel option. The choice of variants on offer are detailed in the table below. Special editions like the Dark themes and Adventure Model have not been considered.

Best Tata Safari Variant to Buy

The Tata Safari comes in a large number of variants including a Dark variant and an Adventure variant. The variant you choose depends on your circumstances and preference. As this is a large SUV with a powerful diesel engine, the automatic should be preferred over the manual for a more comfortable driving experience. The Tata Safari XMS is for the budget buyer providing decent features at an affordable price point. The XT plus is the best value for money experience providing a good mix of features for the price. The Tata Safari XZ plus would, however, be our top pick without a shadow of a doubt.

Summary

The Tata Safari has always been viewed as an aspirational vehicle thanks to the fact that when it first came out, it was the vehicle of choice for politicians and industrialists. The Tata Safari remains a car that will draw admiring glances on the road while you get to move your family around in comfort. The stylistic design elements borrowed from Range Rover, the chrome radiator with the chrome garnish around the front headlights,the luxurious cabin, the high sightline, the dependable yet frugal engine, and great driving dynamics come together to create a compelling case for buying one. The net result is not just a seriously handsome car that will draw admiring glances on the road or when parked but also one that is performance oriented. If you do buy one, we can safely say that it would not be a bad investment.