Amid rumours of Nano being axed, here comes shocking news that may disappoint the Safari loyalists. After catering to the customers for close to two decades, the rugged Safari DICOR has been phased out. The SUV has even been taken off Tata Motors’ official website. First launched in 1998, Safari DICOR was among the few old-school, full-size SUVs in India that witnessed good demand until the introduction of new-age compact SUVs. Following the influx of compact models in this space, Tata Motors launched the Safari Storme nearly five years ago which was sold alongside the original model. Read More – Tata Nexon Compact SUV Launch In August
While the road for Safari DICOR has ended, the Storme version will continue its run in the Indian market. In fact, Safari Storme will be the only body-on-ladder 4×4 SUV in the carmaker’s line-up for the Indian market. Here are some interesting facts about the defunct model (Safari DICOR) that will take you down the memory lane, have a look. Read More – Upcoming New Tata Cars In India
1. Do you know that Tata Safari was launched at the 1998 Auto Expo amid much fanfare and media glare? While in those days, the media wasn’t that agile, but Safari got an ideal start into the domestic market.
2. The SUV was launched at a price of Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), which was quite a lot back then when hatchbacks ruled the market.
3. While it was slightly overpriced, it found many takers who willing to pay for a comfort ride and liked its robust looks.
4. 1,920kg, the Safari used a 2.0-litre turbocharged, intercooler diesel engine that made just 90bhp against 186Nm.
5. In 2003, Tata realised that the SUV was a bit underpowered and introduced a new 135bhp, 2.1-litre engine
6. Contrary to its diesel engine, that lived longer, the petrol engine was taken off production within few years of its roll-out, owing to its meagre fuel economy between 5-7kmpl. Interestingly, at Rs 9.35 lakh, the petrol version was pricier than the diesel model.
7. In 2005, Safari received new dose of updates, a host of new features and a new 3.0-litre DICOR, 115bhp engine. Feeling the heat from the new entrant Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Motors even slashed the price to Rs 6.4 lakh to maintain its reign. Read More – Tata Cars At Auto Expo 2018
8. The now defunct Tata Safari DICOR was eventually rolled-out in 2007 with a 2.2-litre turbocharged engine with common rail direct injection technology.
9. Tuned to churn out 140bhp with 320Nm, the Safari DICOR was offered in rear wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. It additionally received dual airbags, anti-lock-brakes among plethora of other features.
10. Nearly after 10 years of its introduction, Tata Motors has stopped production of its rugged SUV that was manufactured at Tata’s Pimpri facility in the suburbs of Pune.
