Tata Safari is back! Yes, you read it right. The iconic Safari SUV is returning to our market albeit in a completely new avatar. It is essentially a three-row version of the Harrier mid-size SUV. Pre-launch bookings for the new Safari are scheduled to start from 4th February, followed by its launch later in the same month. It will come in six variants: XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ, and XZ+.
New Tata Safari – Design & Dimensions
As we have already discussed multiple times, the new Safari shares its styling cues and platform with the Harrier SUV. It is also based on the OMEGA-ARC platform which is derived from Land Rover's D8 platform. The front design of the car is similar to the Harrier, save for the chrome-finished tri-arrow grille.
The side profile is also identical to the C-pillar. Beyond this point, it has a completely different design. It emphasizes a large rear quarter glass, a stepped roof to accommodate the three-row, silver roof rails with Safari inscription, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels (on higher variants). However, the alloy design is similar to the Harrier.
Compared to its 5-seater counterpart, the rear section of the Safari has been slightly lifted. It also gets a new tailgate and revised LED tail lamps. In terms of dimensions, the Safari is 4,661mm long, 1,894mm wide, and 1,786mm tall. Here’s how it compares against the Harrier: –
| 2021 Tata Safari | Tata Harrier | Difference |
Length (mm) | 4661mm | 4598mm | +63mm |
Width (mm) | 1894mm | 1894mm | identical |
Height (mm) | 1786mm | 1706mm | 80mm |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2741mm | 2741mm | identical |
New Tata Safari – Interior & Features
On the inside, the Safari features the same dashboard as the Harrier, however, it flaunts a new black-white dual-tone interior theme, which gives it a more premium and airier feel. It will be offered with both a 6-seater and 7-seater layout. The 6-seater configuration will come with two captain seats in the middle row while the latter will offer a bench seat.
In terms of features, the Safari gets a few additions over the Harrier like iRA connected car tech, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, a tyre pressure monitor, and rear disc brakes. Besides these add-ons, it retains all the features of Harrier. The key highlights include an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity support, a 320W JBL sound system, a 7-inch colored semi-digital instrument display, powered driver seat, auto climate control with rear AC vents, panoramic sunroof, cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM, powered ORVMs, multiple driving modes, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, etc.
Also Read: 2021 Tata Altroz iTurbo Launched At Rs 7.74 lakh
Safety will be taken care of by 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors with camera, hill hold, hill descent control, and many more.
Engine & Gearbox
Under the hood, the 2021 Tata Safari retains Harrier's 2.0-litre Kryotec turbocharged diesel engine (170PS/350Nm) with the same transmission options (6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic). Initially, the Safari will be available with the front-wheel-drivetrain (FWD) only, an all-wheel-drivetrain could be introduced later on customer's demand.
Also Read: Tata Price Hike: Harrier, Nexon, Tiago, Tigor Get Dearer By Up To Rs 26,000
Prices & Rivals
Prices of the 2021 Safari SUV will be announced at the time of launch. Except it to be priced at a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the Harrier. In the Indian market, it rivals the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV500, and the upcoming 7-seater Hyundai Creta.