The new Tata Safari is essentially a three-row derivative of the Harrier. Its design, though similar to the Harrier, gets a few changes. The grille is finished in silver and chrome and follows a tri-arrow pattern design while the headlamps and fog lamps get a sleek chrome surround. While the alloy wheels look similar to the Harrier, they are 18-inch units instead of the 17-inchers found in the 5-seater model. The roof rails are also finished in chrome. At the rear, it comes with an upright tail gate and a sleek pair of LED tail lamps.
The Safari’s dashboard is similar to the Harrier’s, albeit with black-creme colour scheme. Quality and fit and finish levels should be similar to or better than the Harrier. It will be offered in two seating layouts: a 6-seater with captain seats and a 7-seater with bench seats.
The Safari could get a host of additional features over the Harrier including connected car tech, powered tailgate, rear disc brakes and an electronic handbrake with auto hold function. Equipment like an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL sound system, panoramic sunroof, climate control, a 7-inch coloured semi-digital instrument display, and cruise control have been retained. Safety should be covered by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, and electronic stability control.
Powering the Safari is an FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops 170PS of power and 350Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels and can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. An all-wheel drive variant could join later if there is sufficient demand.
Prices for the Safari are expected to be revealed by March 2020. We expect it to start at around Rs 15 lakh and go up to Rs 21 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the MG Hector Plus and the Mahindra XUV500.
