Tata Safari to return as Tata Motors’ flagship, launch on January 26
Tata Motors is set to begin the new year with a bang as the brand is all set to bring the iconic Tata Safari back into its stable. First revealed at the Auto Expo 2020 as the Gravitas, the production version will bear the iconic Safari moniker that holds a place in enthusiasts’ hearts. When the Safari was launched back in 1998, it kickstarted the lifestyle SUV trend and the new Harrier-based seven-seater will carry forward the legacy as Tata Motors’ celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
The Safari, just like the Harrier, will be based on the Land Rover derived Omega architecture and is expected to be longer in length to accommodate a third row of seats. Having seen the near-production model at the Auto Expo 2020, we know what to expect in terms of design. Like all new Tata Motors’ cars, the Safari will sport the Impact 2.0 design language. The front is identical to the Harrier save for a redesigned bumper while the rear is more upright and boxy, opening up headroom for the third row. Just like the Harrier, it will also get a split headlamp design with LED headlamps while the rear will sport redesigned bumpers and new LED taillamps as well.
Under the hood, the Safari is expected to get the same powertrain as the Harrier — the FCA sourced 2-litre turbo-diesel engine in BS6 guise that pumps out a healthy 168bhp and 350Nm of torque. Expect the Tata Safari to be offered with six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter automatic transmission options as well. There won’t be an all-wheel-drive version yet, but thanks to the modular nature of the Omega architecture, incorporating an AWD system and even an electrified powertrain is possible in the future.
Tata Motors’ flagship SUV will be in showrooms in the coming weeks while the launch is slated for January 26. The Harrier is currently priced between Rs 13-20 lakh, so expect the larger and newer Safari to demand a significant premium over its five-seater sibling. The Tata Safari rivals the likes of the MG Hector Plus and the upcoming next generation Mahindra XUV500. Just like the Harrier that enjoyed a great response from SUV buyers, we’re expecting Tata Motors' new flagship to enthuse the enthusiasts, especially due to the emotionally appealing Safari name.
