2021 Tata Safari Detailed Review [Feb 22, 2021]
2021 Tata Safari Detailed Review
First it was the Tata H7X concept, then the Buzzard ,. Then to “Gravitas”& finally, Tatas decided the revival of the icon — The Tata Safari. For many the new SUV is just a longer Harrier with two extra seats and not worthy of the name.
Chasis :The new Safari has moved on from the old body on frame construction to a modern monocoque chassis, like most modern SUVs. It uses the same OMEGARC platform as the Harrier which is the older Land Rover D8 platform, which dates back to 2007 as the Ford EUCD platform. Additionally, the Safari no longer offers a 4×4 as an option which is the biggest gripe purists seem to have.
2021 Tata Safari Driving Review
The Safari shares the same Kryotec 170 2.0-litre diesel from the Harrier. It is borrowed from FCA, who use it in the Compass. The motor is fairly refined and comes with a City, Eco and Sport drive modes.
Engine:The engine offers a good amount of power and torque having 170hp and 350Nm at its disposal. It drives in a familiar manner to the Harrier, offering a wide band of power, all enjoyed best in Sport mode. Getting up to speed is effortless. yes it gets noisier at higher revolutions.
With the 6-speed manual option, the Safari carries over the same issue with an unpredictable clutch which takes a while to get used to. Automatic is always recommended. It uses the same 6-speed unit we find in the Harrier, borrowed from Hyundai. The shifts are smooth, but kick downs do require some patience.
Brakes : Brake power in the Safari is improved from the Harrier. The Safari is offered with all-round disc-brakes, which help with the added weight of the vehicle (+60 kg) and carrying more passengers. However, the pedal feels a little spongy during initial bite.
Steering : The steering is something that requires attention as it tends to get heavy on the turn in and there is an occasional kickback as well. Dead centre, the steering feels light with a little play, but give it a small turn and it turns a little too eagerly.
Ride Quality : While its somewhat rival, Jeep Compass may feel more stable at high speeds, at low speeds, the Safari will give very little to complain about. It tackles rough roads quite easily, and actually feels better to drive on broken roads.
Exterior Review :
The Safari is longer than the Harrier by 60 mm with the rear overhang. In height, the Safari is 80 mm taller thanks to the stepped roof design reminiscent of the predecessor. Additionally, the tail end is more upright to give it the squared stance of SUVs of the past.
Only a subtle change distinguishes the Safari from the Harrier like the chrome pattern on the front grille. Along the side, Safari gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, in the same design as the Harrier, spread apart with the same wheelbase as well. But, beyond the C-Pillar is where the changes are more apparent.
2021 Tata Safari Interior
Again, in the front row of the cabin, changes are only subtle. Firstly, you get an oyster white leatherette upholstery in the Safari, while the dash-trim has been replaced with a grey ashwood like trim. At the front of the cabin, the Safari shares everything else with the Harrier. However, if you get the higher-spec model of the Safari, the Aircraft-esque handbrake design can be done away with for an electronic parking brake, but it could have offered a small indicator to tell you if it’s engaged or not.
The second row of the Safari is a 3-seat bench as standard for a 7-seat configuration. But the top-spec model can be equipped with the option of dual-captain seats with armrests, for a 6-seat configuration. While the dual USB ports take a while to locate under the back of the centre console,
The rear occupant can control the position of the front passenger seat with the new “Boss Mode” for more legroom. The seats themselves are quite comfortable and offer good bolstering and are easy to slide and recline. Space as well is quite abundant in the Safari’s cabin with good shoulder, head, knee and legroom.
The large panoramic sunroof adds further to the airy feel of an already spacious cabin.
Generally, One would assume that third-row seats are usually suitable only for kids over short journeys. However, in the Safari, the third row is actually quite impressive. With the second row set on a middle setting, a full-sized adult can be accommodated with relative comfort and enough knee and legroom. Additionally, you don’t sit with your knees as high up, as you do in many of the Safari’s competitors. Two medium-sized adults can easily sit for an hour-long journey and they have cup holders, two USB chargers, dedicated fan-speed control with air vents and some storage bins to use if required.
Yes, the Safari does not offer all-wheel-drive or 4×4. In fact, it’s front-wheel-drive only.
The fact is most Safaris sold till date are not 4×4 either. Tata Motors tells us that only a handful of customers actually ever bought a 4×4 Safari in the past, and only a small demographic would wish to buy one now.
In true essence new SUV may not be able to follow even the older 4×2 version of the Safari however,the new Safari will offer all the driving capabilities modern consumers will ever require from it.