The Drive Report: 2023 Tata Safari

2023 Tata Safari

When Tata Motors finally launched the three-row version of the Harrier, its use of the Safari name for what was essentially a Harrier derivative, was accompanied by some clamour from the die-hard Safari enthusiast side of the pool, with regards to its off-roading credentials. The new Safari is a front-wheel driven monocoque softroader, with far better on-road driving mannerisms, albeit, at the cost of serious off-roading chops. However, Tata Motors has stated that given the low demand for an all-wheel drive SUV, the Safari will continue to remain front-wheel driven, at least in its petrol/diesel driven form. And why shouldn’t it? The Safari has been a far greater sales success in its modern avatar, than ever before, despite what enthusiasts might say. With that out of the way, let’s see what Safari's first major update brings to the table.

VISUALS

A lot of the design changes made to the new Harrier have been carried over to the Safari. Except the Safari arguably looks better than the Harrier. The Safari is targeted at a slightly older consumer base so that’s presumably why it looks more grown up. The faux metal cladding on the grille is now body coloured and detached from the bumper’s air intake so as to give the Safari a more distinct identity of its own. Owing to the presence of seven seats, it’s got a longer rear overhang than the Harrier, but there’s an even stronger resemblance to the OG Safari than before. The same vertical projector lamp units find their way here, now encased in black, and the Safari gets 19-inch alloys as standard, as opposed to the 18-inchers found on the Harrier.

The Safari is arguably, the better looking sibling. The same slender, daytime LEDs are here as well along with the connecting light bars but the Safari looks less playful and more robust than the Harrier. Its butch, muscular stance is further enhanced by its larger set of wheels, and a faux metal bash plate that makes it look more purposeful than perhaps it actually is. But hey, it looks good and that’s half, if not most of the battle won.

INTERIOR

The same, sombre theme continues to inform the interiors of the Safari. In its top-end ‘Accomplished’ avatar, the SUV gets a dual-tone dash with white and brown upholstery and a faux wood trim running across the breadth of the dashboard. Multimedia options are identical to those in the Harrier. The same 12.3-inch Harman touchscreen unit provides access to the same ADAS, HVAC, audio and 360-degree camera settings. The cabin is rendered roomier with the light upholstery shades and the presence of captain seats in the middle – another feature that makes the Safari the more premium offering. That said, the same steering wheel design with the glossy black surface and backlit logo finds its way here, just as smudge-prone as ever. Tata Motors claims that the brand will be selling additional merchandise to protect the steering wheel’s centre from scratches, much like you would a phone screen and that’s bound to upset more than a few consumers. The same ergonomic shortcomings ailing the Harrier can be found here. The hard to reach phone charging tray and the hi-definition instrument cluster that’s tucked to tip inside its cavity, for instance. But the Safari has some interior features that several luxury cars lack: ventilated seats for both the front and the middle row captain seats. And it goes without saying that a gesture operated tailgate and voice activated panoramic sunroof are part of the package.

ADAS

The Safari gets the same ADAS suite as the updated Harrier. Having sampled the automatic version, I also had a chance to test Tata Motors’ new adaptive cruise control function that isn’t found in the manual. It’s simple enough to deploy. Press the cruise control button on the steering wheel, set your speed and activate ADAS, and you’re good to go. The Safari reads its terrain well enough, but it doesn’t slow down with the kind of surety that would lead you to rely on it in heavy traffic. The function essentially allows the Safari to slow down and then resume movement based on a front camera and an array of sensors that even give it rear radar capabilities. The automated emergency braking system (AEB) has been tuned keeping in mind the unpredictability of Indian city traffic and as such can be a little indecisive when it comes to pumping the brakes. But the sheer breadth of ADAS capabilities is truly impressive, especially considering the fact that the top-end model’s (introductory) price is only Rs 28,000 more than the outgoing model.

Both the Harrier and the Safari also get a lane departure ADAS function, which, with the Safari, gives it a little acceleration boost when exiting a lane and entering one without any oncoming traffic. Lane keep assist is also included in the package but will be introduced later, with a software update.

DRIVING

Tata Motors hasn’t updated the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel so we get essentially the same powertrain. With the 1.5-litre TGDi turbo-petrol set to debut in the upcoming 2024 Tata Sierra, it’ll be a while till we get to sample a petrol Safari. But, rest assured, it’s coming. What has changed this time is the presence of an electronic power steering instead of a hydraulic one, and this makes the Safari a breeze to manoeuvre and operate in the city. Parallel parking takes minimum muscular effort, and changing lanes at high speeds is also a lot easier than ever before, especially with the low-profile tyres. However, the aesthetic appeal of the 19-inch alloys comes at the cost of a bit of ride comfort. Hopefully, Tata Motors would allow consumers the option of opting for the 18-inch wheels found on the Harrier, which ride much better.

The Safari’s engine is as torquey as ever. Compared to the agricultural diesels of yesteryear Tata cars, it is a lot smoother too. But the biggest difference between this Safari and the old ones is how dynamic this feels. Thanks to the fact that it is based on an old Land Rover platform, the Safari is much more confident in corners. The six-speed automatic isn’t particularly quick on the uptake, but once you get used to its steady, measured upshifts, the drive becomes more enjoyable. And if nothing else works, there are always the paddle shifters which give you more control.

VERDICT

With (introductory) prices starting at Rs 16.19 lakh and going up to Rs 25.49 lakh (ex-showroom) the Safari is a much bigger bargain than before. It’s got a more distinct visual character, it's a tad easier to drive and it's much, much more comfortable to sit inside. A far better grand tourer than before, with ample third-row room for mid-sized individuals, the Safari is set back only by the absence of a petrol engine. Hopefully, that’ll be addressed sooner than later.