The much-anticipated three-row Harrier SUV to reboot the iconic "Safari" nameplate in India, revealed by the Tata Officials. Until now, it was kenned as GRAVITAS, but the homegrown maker has now stated that it was just a codename.
The all-new Tata Safari will be launched later this month, with bookings estimated to start shortly.
Announcing the formal branding of its forthcoming SUV as the ‘Tata Safari’, Mr. Shailesh Chandra – President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit (PVBU), Tata Motors, said-
We are proud and elated to re-introduce our flagship SUV–Safari. The Safari, an iconic brand with a strong following, has been the most sought-after SUV on Indian roads for well over two decades. In its new avatar, the Safari will appeal to the socially active, fun loving customers who seek out unique experiences and adventure. Its design, performance, versatility, features, and long-lasting build quality, reinforce the SUV lifestyle to provide unending pleasure. We are confident that the launch of the Safari will once again re-energise the market, amplifying its cult status.
Safari was first launched in 1998 and it turned out to be a massively successful product for the carmaker. In fact, Safari has a separate fan base in India, and the brand is now willing to target a different set of buyers. When it was discontinued last year, the Safari was in its second-generation phase. Hence, the Gravitas will be the third-gen version of the Safari SUV and the new flagship product of Tata Motors.
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For the people not in know, the new Safari made its debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show as the Buzzard and then showcased in pre-production form at the 2020 Auto Expo 2020 as the Gravitas. It will be based on Harrier's OMEGA Architecture platform, but it will be longer and taller than the 5-seater Harrier by 63mm & 80mm, respectively.
Design-wise the 2021 Tata Safari could get a similar front end to the Harrier. However, to distinguish it from the Harrier, it will feature a stepped-up roof, a larger rear quarter glass, a redesigned C-pillar design, an upright tailgate, and a new dark blue exterior shade. It could also get newly designed bumpers at both ends.
The Safari is likely to come in both 6 and 7-seater options. It could also sport a black-beige dual-tone cabin theme. As far as the features are concerned, the Safari is expected to get a host of new features including connected car technology, front parking sensors, electronic parking brake, and air purifier.
New Tata Safari – Engine & Transmissions
Under the hood, the 2021 Tata Safari is likely to house the 2.0-liter turbocharged Kryotec diesel engine that churns out 170PS and 350Nm. Transmissions options are also expected to be similar to the Harrier: 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter unit. The brand could also offer it with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine in the later stage.
It is important to note that the older Safari was popularly known for its off-roading capabilities. Hence, Tata could introduce the new Safari with the 4WD drivetrain option in the near future on customer's demand. The carmaker has also stated that Safari's OMEGA platform is capable of electrification.
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Expected Pricing
Except the all-new Tata Safari to carry a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the 5-seater Harrier, which is currently priced between Rs 13.84 and 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). In the Indian market, it will be positioned against the MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV500.