It is no wonder Tata is the second largest carmaker in India. The brand has been on an upward trajectory since the last decade with the help of competent and safe models. Recently, with the inflow of more players in the SUV space, the Tata Harrier and the Safari had been lacking some essential features.
Tata has taken notice and the flagship SUVs, the Safari and the Harrier have received a major update that will go on sale next month. Although there are no mechanical or visual changes to both these SUVs, Tata has updated the features list with a much-needed kit including a full ADAS suite.
What’s New?
The most important talking point of this update has to be the ADAS features, something Mahindra’s XUV700 has been offering since its launch. The Tata SUVs gain features like emergency braking, high beam assist, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, collision warning, etc. The next important feature addition is a much-needed 360-degree camera that works in conjunction with the equally anticipated 10.25-inch touchscreen that replaces the current 8.8-inch unit which looks tiny amongst its rivals, especially the updated MG Hector.
The new system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with voice commands for added convenience. The digital treatment is also extended to the instrument cluster which sports a new 7-inch semi-digital cluster. Apart from this, Tata has also added memory settings for the driver’s seat and ambient lighting (only for Safari) to the sides of the panoramic sunroof which is already offered for both SUVs.
What’s Not New?
Mechanically, both these SUVs remain unchanged. Power comes from the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine developing 170 PS and 350 Nm coupled to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. However, this engine has now been updated to comply with the stringent RDE norms in the coming days. The SUVs will also continue to look the same with no visual changes whatever.
Apart from that, Tata will also offer the SUVs in the new Dark Red Edition which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. The Dark Red Edition will be offered in a new black shade that Tata calls Oberon Black along with 18-inch alloys, red calipers, and red inserts for the front grille. On the inside, there’s a brand new bright red upholstery with quilted seats, leatherette door handles, grey inserts for the dashboard, and black inserts for the steering wheel.
Bookings for the updated Harrier and Safari have commenced in all showrooms across the country against Rs 30,000. It will get an official launch next month where Tata will also announce the updated pricing.
With all the changes in mind, expect the SUVs to carry a premium of around Rs 50,000 to 1 lakh over their present pricing. Currently, the Tata harrier is priced from Rs 15.00 – 22.60 Lakh and the Safari is priced between Rs 15.65 – 24.01 Lakh (both, ex-showroom). Rivals for these SUVs include the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector and Hector Plus, and the Hyundai Alcazar.
