Revamped and ready to roar: Tata Motors launches facelifted Harrier and Safari with stunning upgrades
After all the teasing and waiting, the facelifted Tata Harrier and Tata Safari are here complete with all-new designs and brand-new features, but with the same old trusty engine
The highly anticipated 2023 Tata Harrier and Tata Safari have finally made their entry. These facelifted iterations of the Harrier and Safari have undergone a significant transformation, both in terms of its exterior and interior design. While retaining the old powertrain, the revamped SUVs introduce a host of new features that are sure to leave Tata fans smiling. Bookings for the Tata Harrier and Safari had already begun for a token amount of Rs 25,000 and the SUV prices have now been announced. (Image: Tata Motors)
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The design | As far as design goes, both the Harrier and Safari have very similar traits. However, unlike the earlier variants, both SUVs have their distinguishing features. For example, the Harrier and Safari flaunt a parametric grille complete with an LED strip toplining it. These then integrate into the LED DRLs, which form separate units from the main headlamp cluster. Here’s where things get a little different. While the Harrier’s main headlamp housing is a trapezoidal unit, the Safari’s is more rectangular. The bumpers on both cars are different as well with the Safari showcasing more of the skid plate than the Harrier. The overall silhouette, however, remains familiar, with notable changes in the form of refreshed alloy wheels, both unique to each car measuring between 17 and 19 inches depending on the variant. As far as dimensions go, the Harrier measures 4,605 mm x 1,922 mm x 1,718 mm in length, width and height. The Safari is just slightly larger measuring 4,668 mm x 1,922 mm and 1,795 mm, respectively. Wheelbases for both SUVs measure an identical 2,741 mm. (Image: Tata Motors)
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The interior | Stepping inside, you see that the interior has undergone a comprehensive transformation. The dashboard now hosts a free-standing 12.3-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system, providing a sleek and futuristic look. Just below the infotainment system, a touch-based HVAC control panel adds a modern touch to the cabin's design. Now, while both dashboards are essentially identical to each other, the Harrier’s colour palette reflects a more youthful nature compared to the Safari’s more mature aesthetic. Drivers are treated to a new 10.25-inch customisable driver's display and the new four-spoke steering wheel with backlit Tata logo sits prominently at the centre of the cabin. Automatic variants now feature a stubbier gear selector lever. (Image: Tata Motors)
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The SUVs don’t just focus on aesthetics, however, and come packed with an array of advanced features. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, ensuring seamless connectivity. Audiophiles will appreciate the 10-speaker JBL audio system with audio modes tuned by Harman. Voice assistants are with various commands. Other features include a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, six-way powered and ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, rear sunshades, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a 45-watt USB C charger in the front console, complete with a cooled front armrest storage area. Tata's IRA 2.0-connected car tech allows for remote control of various vehicle functions through a smartphone. Additionally, the Safari’s second-row seats are also ventilated for more passenger comfort. (Image: Tata Motors)
The performance | Under the hood, both the Harrier and the Safari retain the previous Kryotec 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that generates 170 hp of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic. The Harrier features a terrain response system with modes like Normal, Rough, and Wet to adapt to various driving conditions, along with three driving modes (Eco, City, and Sports) that enable drivers to customise the SUV's performance according to their preferences. (Image: Tata Motors)
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In terms of safety, both SUVs come equipped with six airbags across all trim levels, with an optional seventh airbag available for higher trims. An emergency call/breakdown call button is ready for use in case of emergencies or breakdowns. Navigating tight spaces is made easier with a 360-degree surround view system. Then there is the Level-II Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), providing as many as 11 features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear collision warning, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection. (Image: Tata Motors)
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Tata has also announced that both SUVs have undergone their crash tests and have come out shining. Both the Harrier and the Safari have managed to score Global NCAP safety ratings of five stars in adult as well as child occupant protection. (Image: Tata Motors)
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Just like the Nexon, the Harrier and Safari also use the persona nomenclature for its various trim levels. While Smart, Pure and Adventure are common personas on both SUVs, the Harrier’s top-spec variant is called Fearless while the Safari’s is called Accomplished. Furthermore, the Adventure persona as well as the Fearless and Accomplished each offer their own 'sub' personas, known as Adventure+, Fearless+ and Accomplished+. These further have their own distinction within them for a total of 10 unique variants each for the Harrier and Safari. (Image: Tata Motors)
The pricing | And finally, pricing. The Tata Harrier starts at Rs 15.49 lakh for the entry-level Smart variant going up to Rs 24.49 lakh for the Fearless+. The Tata Safari starts at Rs 16.19 lakh for the entry-level trim going up to Rs 25.49 lakh for the top-spec Accomplished+. Now, these are introductory prices being offered by Tata, so we could see minor price hikes later on. (Image: Tata Motors)
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In terms of competition, the SUV market in India is fairly vast especially when it comes to the compact SUV segment. The Tata Harrier has the most rivals here including Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV700 and even the MG Hector. However, because of just one powertrain option, the Tata Harrier loses out on points when compared to its Korean rivals. The Safari, on the other hand, rivals the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio N, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar. (Image: Tata Motors)
Stanford Masters Journalist who writes on automobiles
