Tata Safari review

The Safari has a more upright stance compared to the Harrier, enhanced by the near-upright grille. The vehicle is longer by 63mm and taller by 77mm than the Harrier, measuring 4668 x 1922 x 1795mm. The tailgate too has an upright design to accommodate the third row. The bi-LED headlamp and foglamps continue here along with air curtains for better aerodynamics. A thin chrome strip between headlamp and foglamps carries the Safari logo. The connected DRLS and tail lamps are also part of the new Safari. Both the Safari and Harrier are built around the D8 platform of the Land Rover and come with seven airbags including a knee airbag.

Multi-coloured mood lights and persona-based interior themes continue here as well. We drove the top Accomplished+ persona in Cosmic Gold, and its Oyster White interior theme gave it a luxurious feel. Unlike the Harrier, the Safari presents a much more classy appearance with a subtle and elegant interior theme without emphasis on the fun part. It appears that much thought has gone into the details and accessibility in this expansive cabin. The front passenger seat offers electric four-way adjustment, and to make it easier for the rear passenger, this seat offers electric Boss Mode buttons. The passenger sitting behind can easily slide the front seat and tilt the seat back using these buttons. There are ample charging points for each row including Type-C, Type-A USB ports in addition to the wireless charging pad in the central console and the Accomplished+ trim offers ventilated seats even for the second row. The second and third rows have pillar-mounted blower vents.

The Accomplished+ persona seats six passengers, while all other personas have room for seven. Luggage space is non-existent with all seats upright, but with the third-row seat back folded, you get 680 litres of boot space. So Tata wants you to choose between your kids and your luggage. Pretty easy right? Access to the third row is a squeeze unless you possess child-like flexibility. If you manage to get in there, the seats are comfortable and there are neat little storage spaces on both sides.

All other design elements and features mimic the Harrier’s. This includes the 31.24cm Harman Touchscreen infotainment system tuned by AudioworX, connected to 10 speakers and offering JBL audio modes. The top personas come with ADAS with 11 key features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, advanced ESP with Driver Doze Off Alert, and Lane Departure Warning. The five-spoke leather-wrapped electric steering wheel, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold and Memory functions, and bejewelled Terrain Response Mode selector with display are all similar to the Harrier. Gesture-controlled tailgate opening and voice commands with four voice assistants also make an appearance in the Safari.

We drove the Safari with the 6-speed automatic transmission that is mated to the new E-shifter that debuted in the Nexon. The AT option comes with paddle shifters, which provide some manual control while overtaking. At the core is the same 1956cc 4-cylinder Kryotec Turbocharged diesel engine that powers the Harrier. The engine grunt is audible in the cabin, though not disturbing. The Safari Accomplished+ variant comes with R19 dual-tone diamond-cut spider alloy wheels. The 19-inch tyres transmit some terrain imperfections compared to the Harrier, especially when negotiating potholes or speed bumps, but again, the ride is not quite stiff to be uncomfortable. The electric power steering makes driving effortless with the right amount of resistance.

The Safari is a tech and feature-heavy 6/7-seater, which has been designed with easy accessibility and drivability in mind. The vehicle offers a comfortable ride, and the Harman infotainment system sweetens things up. However, the use of the third-row seats means you have to leave all your luggage at home. The prices start at ₹16.19 lakh, but if you have your eyes on the top Accomplished+ variant, be ready to shell out ₹25.49 lakh.