New Tata Safari: Few vehicles have shaped India’s automotive consciousness as profoundly as the Tata Safari.

Since its introduction in 1998 as one of the country’s first homegrown SUVs, the Safari has transcended its utilitarian origins to become a cultural touchstone—representing adventure, capability, and national manufacturing pride across multiple generations.

The latest iteration of this storied nameplate arrives at a pivotal moment in both automotive evolution and Tata Motors’ trajectory, embodying the company’s remarkable transformation from a value-oriented manufacturer to a design-led brand with genuine premium aspirations.

The 2023-24 Safari represents the most comprehensive reimagining of this iconic model since its original introduction, building upon the substantial platform change that occurred with the previous generation while introducing significant enhancements to design, technology, and overall sophistication.

This evolution reflects broader shifts in India’s automotive landscape, where rising consumer expectations and increasing global integration have elevated standards across all segments.

The Safari’s transformation from a rugged, function-first utility vehicle to a sophisticated family SUV with premium appointments mirrors the journey of India’s automotive market itself—growing in refinement, technology, and global relevance while maintaining distinctly Indian sensibilities.

This comprehensive examination explores how the new Safari balances heritage and innovation, analyzing its design philosophy, technical attributes, market positioning, and broader implications for both Tata Motors and India’s evolving automotive ecosystem.

As domestic manufacturers increasingly challenge established global players across multiple segments, the Safari stands as a compelling case study in how homegrown brands can honor their legacy while embracing contemporary global standards.

New Tata Safari: Design Philosophy and Execution

The new Safari’s exterior design represents a careful evolution of Tata’s “Impact 2.0” design language, maintaining family resemblance with its predecessor while introducing more sophisticated surfacing and detailing.

The front fascia features a wider, more horizontally emphasized grille with subtle tri-arrow patterns that serve as both brand identifier and visual texture.

Split LED headlamps maintain conceptual continuity with the previous generation but with more refined execution and advanced lighting technology, including sequential turn signals and dynamic light signatures.

Profile elements balance visual mass with elegant proportion through several thoughtful techniques. The strong shoulder line creates horizontal emphasis while gently rising toward the rear, creating a sense of forward motion even when stationary.

The floating roof effect, achieved through blacked-out pillars, reduces perceived height while maintaining the commanding presence essential to the Safari’s identity.

The characteristic stepped roof—a Safari hallmark since the original model—remains present but with more integrated execution that feels deliberate rather than merely functional.

The rear design introduces new connected LED tail lamps that span the width of the tailgate, creating a distinctive nighttime signature while emphasizing the vehicle’s substantial stance.

Chrome application shows welcome restraint compared to typical Indian market preferences, with selective use that highlights architectural elements rather than dominating the design.

The bumper features integrated dual exhaust finishers and a silver skid plate element that subtly references the model’s adventure heritage without resorting to visual clichés.

Interior design shows even more significant advancement, with a completely reimagined cabin that elevates material quality, technological integration, and spatial utilization.

The layered dashboard incorporates contrasting materials and finishes that create visual and tactile interest while reinforcing the premium positioning.

The central 12.3-inch touchscreen appears to float above the dashboard, complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster of identical size that creates a cohesive technical command center.

Ambient lighting elements integrate tastefully throughout the cabin, providing both atmosphere and functional illumination that enhances the interior’s architectural qualities.

Technical Specifications

Powertrain and Performance

The new Safari continues with Tata’s proven 2.0-liter Kryotec turbocharged diesel engine, producing 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque—figures that position it competitively within the segment while maintaining the tractable, torque-rich character essential to the Safari identity.

While this powerplant carries forward from the previous generation, it receives several refinements focused on enhancing NVH characteristics and efficiency:

1. Improved injection system providing more precise fuel delivery

2. Enhanced turbocharger mapping reducing lag and improving responsiveness

3. Updated sound insulation reducing diesel clatter in the cabin

4. Refined transmission calibration optimizing power delivery

5. Advanced emission control systems ensuring BS6 Phase-2 compliance

The six-speed manual transmission features revised shift mechanisms for more precise action, while the six-speed automatic (sourced from Hyundai) receives updated software calibration that delivers smoother shifts and more intuitive response to driver inputs.

The available terrain response system offers multiple driving modes that adjust engine mapping, transmission behavior, and traction control parameters to optimize performance across diverse conditions:

• Normal: Balanced performance for everyday driving

• Eco: Prioritizing fuel efficiency through modified throttle response

• Sport: Enhanced responsiveness with more aggressive transmission logic

• Wet: Calibrated for optimal traction in slippery conditions

• Rough Road: Maximizing capability on challenging surfaces

The all-wheel-drive system available on higher variants represents a significant enhancement over previous generations, offering genuine capability beyond paved surfaces without compromising on-road dynamics or efficiency.

The electronically controlled system can predictively distribute torque between axles based on conditions and driver inputs, providing confidence in challenging environments while automatically defaulting to front-wheel drive when additional traction isn’t required.

Chassis and Dynamics

The Safari’s driving characteristics benefit from Tata’s OMEGARC architecture (derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform), providing significantly improved torsional rigidity compared to the previous-generation OMEGA platform while maintaining the dimensional attributes that define the Safari’s presence.

The high-strength steel content exceeds 65%, creating a structure that enhances both safety credentials and dynamic precision.

Suspension components strike an effective balance between comfort and control, with the independent front suspension featuring double wishbone configuration and coil springs tuned for initial compliance with progressive firming under more challenging inputs.

The rear twist-blade setup with coil springs provides space-efficient packaging while delivering controlled articulation over uneven surfaces.

Frequency-selective dampers automatically adjust their characteristics based on inputs, providing pliant response to small road imperfections while firming appropriately during more dynamic driving or emergency maneuvers.

Steering calibration shows particular improvement over previous generations, with the electrically assisted system providing more consistent weighting and improved on-center feel.

Three selectable steering modes allow drivers to prioritize either effortless operation in urban environments or increased resistance and feedback during more engaging driving scenarios—a thoughtful feature acknowledging the Safari’s diverse usage patterns.

Braking performance comes courtesy of disc brakes at all four corners, managed by an advanced electronic stability program that includes features like hill descent control, hill hold assist, and roll-over mitigation.

The system’s calibration prioritizes progressive pedal feel with linear response, avoiding the over-assisted character that can make precise modulation challenging in some electronically managed systems.

Technology and Features

The Safari’s technology package represents one of its most significant advancements, incorporating features previously unprecedented in Indian-manufactured vehicles within this segment.

The dual 12.3-inch displays form the centerpiece of this technological evolution, with the infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in navigation, and voice recognition capabilities.

The user interface demonstrates significant improvement over previous Tata systems, with more intuitive menu structures, responsive touch operation, and thoughtful physical shortcuts for frequently accessed functions.

The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite includes over 11 features:

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality

• Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning

• Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

• Forward collision warning with visual and audible alerts

• Traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist

• Driver attention monitoring system

• Automatic high beam assistance

• 360-degree camera system with 3D visualization

• Reverse automatic braking

• Door opening alert with approaching vehicle detection

These safety technologies complement the Safari’s fundamentally sound structural design, which builds upon the previous generation’s impressive 5-star Global NCAP rating with further enhancements to both passive and active safety systems.

Comfort and convenience features extend the premium positioning:

• Panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch function

• Ventilated and heated front seats with memory function

• Six-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

• Nine-speaker JBL premium audio system

• Tri-zone automatic climate control

• Wireless smartphone charging with cooling function

• Air purifier with AQI display

• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function

• Gesture-controlled power tailgate

• Electrically adjustable second-row seats (captain chair variants)

These features collectively create an ownership experience that challenges established premium brands, demonstrating Tata’s commitment to delivering genuine value beyond mere specification comparisons.

Interior Space and Practicality

The Safari’s three-row configuration remains a defining attribute, with thoughtful packaging that accommodates seven passengers (or six with second-row captain chairs) without excessive exterior dimensions.

The second row features 100mm of fore-aft adjustment, allowing occupants to balance legroom distribution between rows based on passenger requirements.

The captain chair configuration offers executive-style seating with individual armrests and a floor console, creating a premium environment for second-row passengers.

The third row benefits from the Safari’s characteristic stepped roof, providing headroom that exceeds segment norms while maintaining reasonable legroom for adult occupants on shorter journeys.

Access to this row improves significantly over previous generations, with one-touch operation that automatically moves and folds the second-row seats to create a wider entry path.

When not needed for passengers, these seats fold flat to create a substantial cargo area with minimal intrusions or uneven surfaces.

Practical considerations receive thorough attention throughout the cabin:

• Multiple storage compartments including a cooled center console

• Thoughtfully positioned USB-C and USB-A charging ports for all rows

• Retractable trays with cupholders for second-row passengers

• One-touch window operation for all doors with anti-pinch protection

• Easy-clean surface materials in high-contact areas

• Multiple tie-down points in the cargo area

These practical elements ensure the Safari functions effectively as family transportation despite its premium positioning—a critical balance for a vehicle likely to serve as primary transportation for most owners rather than merely a lifestyle accessory.

Market Positioning and Competition

The Safari occupies a strategic position in India’s evolving SUV market, straddling the boundary between mainstream and premium segments.

This positioning acknowledges increasing consumer willingness to invest in vehicles that deliver genuine advancement rather than merely acceptable transportation, particularly in the three-row SUV category where family considerations and lifestyle aspirations often intersect.

Primary competitors include:

• Mahindra XUV700 (similar positioning with different design approach)

• MG Hector Plus (feature-focused with less driving refinement)

• Hyundai Alcazar (premium positioning with smaller dimensions)

• Toyota Innova Hycross (practical with hybrid efficiency)

• Jeep Meridian (more off-road focused at higher price point)

Against these alternatives, the Safari offers a distinctive combination of design sophistication, technological integration, and brand heritage that creates a compelling value proposition, particularly for consumers seeking an Indian-manufactured product with genuine premium credentials.

Owner Experience

The ownership proposition extends beyond the vehicle itself to encompass Tata’s evolving approach to customer experience.

The Safari benefits from Tata’s “New Forever” philosophy, which emphasizes continual product improvement and enhanced ownership benefits:

• Five-year/unlimited kilometer warranty (segment-leading coverage)

• Three-year roadside assistance program

• Scheduled maintenance costs approximately 20% lower than key competitors

• Digital ownership platform with connected vehicle services

• Certified pre-owned program enhancing residual values

• Transparent service pricing with electronic documentation

These elements collectively address historical concerns about after-sales support that previously limited Tata’s penetration of more premium segments, creating a more cohesive ownership journey that matches the vehicle’s sophisticated execution.

New Tata Safari:

The new Tata Safari represents a significant milestone in both the model’s evolution and Tata Motors’ broader transformation.

By successfully blending the nameplate’s heritage with thoroughly contemporary execution, Tata has created a vehicle that honors the Safari’s legacy while establishing new benchmarks for Indian-manufactured SUVs.

The thoughtful balance of design sophistication, technological integration, and practical functionality demonstrates growing confidence in addressing increasingly discerning consumer expectations.

For Tata Motors, the Safari serves as both flagship product and brand statement—embodying the company’s journey from value-oriented manufacturer to design-led brand with genuine premium aspirations.

The model’s execution quality and feature content challenge preconceptions about domestic manufacturers, establishing new parameters for what Indian consumers should expect from homegrown brands.

As global and domestic manufacturers increasingly compete across traditional segment boundaries, the Safari’s comprehensive capabilities position it effectively within this evolving landscape.

While maintaining accessible pricing relative to imported alternatives, the vehicle delivers a thoroughly contemporary ownership experience that requires few compromises.

This balanced approach—honoring heritage while embracing innovation—creates a compelling proposition for consumers seeking sophisticated family transportation with authentic Indian character.

In the broader context of India’s automotive evolution, the Safari represents a significant step toward indigenous products that compete on merit rather than merely price or patriotic sentiment.

This maturation of both product execution and market positioning suggests a promising trajectory for Indian manufacturers as they continue navigating the complex balance between global standards and local relevance in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.