Tata Motors is has officially announced to re-introduce the Safari nameplate in the country. The SUV will be positioned against the likes of the MG Hector Plus and the new-gen Mahindra XUV500. Here is a list of top 10 key facts you should know about the soon-to-be-launched Tata Safari 2021 –
1. Gravitas – A 7-Seater Harrier
The SUV was first showcased as the Gravitas at the 2020 Auto Expo. The Gravitas was the codename of the new Safari. It is basically the 6- and 7-seater version of the Harrier SUV, which is based on the OMEGA ARC platform. This platform is derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture, which was used to develop Freelander SUV.
2. Tata Safari 2021 Launch
The new Tata Safari will be launched on January 26, 2021. Bookings for the new SUV will commence in the next few days.
3. Tata Safari 2021 Engine Specs
The new Safari will be powered by the same 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine that also powers the Harrier. This turbocharged diesel engine is capable of producing 170bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
4. Bigger Than Harrier
In terms of proportions, the new Safari is 4,661mm long, 1,884mm wide and 1,786mm tall. The new model is 63mm longer, 72mm wider and 80mm taller than the Harrier, which is 4598mm long, 1894mm wide and 1706mm tall. The wheelbase of the new Tata Safari is exactly similar to the Harrier – i.e. 2741mm.
5. Different Design
The front design of the new Safari looks identical to the Harrier SUV; however, there will be some changes to keep things fresh. The SUV has taller stance along with sport running boards and bigger alloys. The height of the new SUV has been raised and the rear has more upright position to create more space for third-row passenger. It comes with revised tail-lamps and boot lid along with larger windshield and prominet rear spoiler. The SUV has slimmer grille, Sleek LED DRLs and split headlamp setup. Major changes are made to the side profile, as it is longer than the Harrier. The SUV gets stepped roof, upright tailgate with roof spoiler, new roof rails and revised rear profile.
6. Tata Safari 2021 Interior
The dashboard design and interior layout of the new Safari is similar to the Harrier, featuring an 8.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control and sunroof. It will be offered in 6- and 7-seat options,. While the former gets captain seats for the second row, the 7-seater gets bench-type seat. The 7-seater model will have bench-type seat with adjustable headrests for all 3 occupants. The SUV also gets auto hold and electronic handbrake, and auto-dimming IRVMs.
7. Expected Price
The Tata Safari 2021 will be positioned slightly premium over the 5-seater Harrier, which costs Rs 13.48 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh. The new model is expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 21 lakh.
8. New Colours
For more visual changes between the Harrier & Safari, Tata Motors is likely to add new colour options along with new alloys to the new Safari line-up.
9. No 4×4 system at launch
The new Safari will only be offered in a front-wheel-drive layout. However, the SUV could receive 4×4 system at a later stage. The company claims that the OMEGA architecture is designed to incorporate a four-wheel-drive system.
10. Competition
The new Safari SUV will rival the likes of the MG Hector Plus and the new-gen Mahindra XUV500. Hyundai is also readying the 7-seater Creta, which will be launched before the end of this year. Adding to it, Ford Motor Company will also launch a new C-SUV based on the new-gen XUV500’s front-wheel-drive monocoque platform.
