Tata Safari, the iconic SUV brand from the home-grown carmaker, is ready to make its official comeback in India today (26th January 2021). While its pre-bookings are likely to begin from today, the launch might happen in February or March. The new Safari will be based on the Gravitas, which was previewed at the 2020 Auto Expo. It will be Tata’s flagship SUV that’s estimated to cost between Rs 15 lakh – Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom). The model will face challenge from cars like MG Hector Plus and the upcoming new-generation Mahindra XUV500 and Hyundai Creta 7-seater SUV.
Variants, Seating Layout
As per the leaked information, the 2021 Tata Safari model lineup will be spread across four trims – XE, XM, XT and XZ. Buyers will have two seating configurations to choose from – 6-seats and 7-seats. The latter one will come with 60:40 split seats for the second row passengers. It can be reclined, folded and tumbled forward via a small lever positioned on its top side to access the last row of seats. The 50:50 split third row of seats will offer a netted storage back, a bottle/cup holder, an USB charger port, sub woofer, a seat belt parking clip, a HVAC regulator knob and boot lamp.
Connectivity Features
The new Safari will be packed with lots of advanced goodies and safety fitments. The leaked information says that the SUV will have connected car features divided into 5 categories – Remote Commands, Safety & Security, Over the Air updates, Alerts & Notifications and Health Check. Tata’s iRA connected system, ConnectNext and What3Words can be downloaded for from Play Store or App Store. These will come with a 12 month validity period. Read – Tata Altroz iTurbo Explained In 10 Quick Points
Comfort & Safety Features
Tata will equip its new 7-seater SUV will features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 9-speaker JBL audio system with amplifier, Benecke-Kaliko oak brown leather seat upholstery, push button start, auto dimming IRVM, factory fitted panoramic sunroof with roll/tilt/glass-slid open and close system, ambient lighting and more.
On the Safety front, the 2021 Tata Safari will have multiple airbags, off-road ABS, ABS with EBD, cornering stability control, traction control, hill hold control, hill descent control, Electronic stability control (ESC), roll-over mitigation, EDTC (Engine Drag Torque Control), dynamic wheel torque by brake, EBP (Electronic Brake Pre-fill), HFC (Hydraulic Fading Compensation) and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist). Read – 2021 Tata Harrier To Get iRA Connected Tech
Design & Dimensions
While the new Tata Safari shares most of its design elements with the Harrier, a few cosmetic changes have been made to distinguish it from its younger sibling. Upfront, the SUV has subtle chrome bits on the grille and large headlamps with LED DRLs. Some of its key highlights include prominent wheel arches, alloy wheels, bold side shoulders, stepped roof with roof rails and LED taillamps. Dimensionally, the Safari will be 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier. The carmaker might offer new colour options and wheel designs for its new bigger SUV.
Engines, Gearboxes
The new Tata Safari 2021 will share its powertrain with the Harrier. The later comes with a 2.0L Kryotec turbocharged diesel motor that’s good enough for 170bhp and 350Nm. The new Tata SUV can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. It will be offered with FWD (front-wheel-drive) system only. Though, the carmaker might introduce its 4X4 version at a later stage.
