In a surprising teaser video, Tata Motors officially announced the arrival of the new 2021 Tata Safari in January itself. The car will be available in the Tata showrooms very soon. The 7-seater Gravitas will be christened Safari. It was showcased in Auto Expo 2020 as the 7-seat version of the Harrier. This is a pleasant surprise that Tata has revived its legendary model, which gained a sort of cult following in the 2000s. A tall, muscular and rugged 7-seater SUV is something we did not have much of during those days. Hence the success that the Safari enjoyed was massive. Tata also came up with regular updates for the Safari to keep it fresh. For example, new editions of Safari included Safari Dicor and Safar Storme.
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But with the inception of the compact SUV segment and BS6 regulations, it was discontinued. Now, all that is about to change. With new-gen variants of the classic models, some carmakers are trying to enhance their images by bringing back the products that made them successful in the first place. Safari certainly did that for Tata. Although we have already covered the Gravitas, including its prices, features and engine options, we will take a brief look at what this new name might bring with it.
2021 Tata Safari – Engine and Transmission
Tata Safari will become the flagship SUV from Tata in India. It will get the 2.0-litre 170hp Kryotec diesel engine from the Harrier. This engine will come with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Being a hardcore SUV, the question arises if it will get a 4×4 system to give it off-roading capabilities as well. The OMEGARC platform that the Safari is based on, does allow to incorporate a 4×4 system. According to the customer demand and feedback, if Tata wants to equip the SUV with a 4×4 system, it will not be difficult to do. Even the provision of hybridization or complete electrification is available with this architecture. This makes the platform very flexible for equipping the products based on it, with many technologies in the future.
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2021 Tata Safari – Exteriors and Interiors
The front end of the Safari will resemble Harrier for the most part because it will be an extended wheelbase version of the Harrier. That means a bold look with a large front grille, LED DRLs on the bonnet and the LED Headlamps unit will be placed on the bumper. The alloys will be unique to differentiate the Harrier from Safari. However, the length and height will increase by a good 63mm and 80mm respectively. This is necessary to accommodate the third row of seating comfortably. The stepped-up roof will allow for a decent headroom for the third-row passengers.
The interiors of the Safari will continue to be plush and upmarket just like the Harrier. The feature list will be extensive including a floating full-digital infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, textured dashboard, plenty of storage spaces, a Digital Instrument Cluster and a Sunroof. Additionally, there will also be a JBL Audio System and USB Charging Ports for all three-rows.
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2021 Tata Safari – Prices and Rivals
Now, the prices of the Harrier range from Rs 13.84 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh, ex-showroom. Safari being the extended version of the Harrier will come at a premium above these prices. This surely will make the Safari a bit on the expensive side. But then again, it is the flagship offering from Tata, which is a reason enough to command that kind of premium. The rivals of the Safari will include, the upcoming Mahindra XUV500, Jeep Compass 7-seater, MG Hector Plus and the upcoming 7-seater version of Creta. This will be a really exciting and competitive segment in our industry after all the aforementioned products are launched this year itself.
