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2021 Tata Safari Review - 12 Pros & 12 Cons

Tata Safari Pros:

• The iconic brand “Safari” is back! We agree with using the legendary nameplate for this car
• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
• Extra 3rd row of seats brings lots more practicality & utility
• Superb captain chairs available as an option for the middle row (top variant only)
• Extras over the Harrier include rear disc brakes, TPMS, e-parking brake, auto-hold, boss mode…
• Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
• 168 BHP 2.0L diesel offers good driveability and a punchy mid-range
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• Sufficient ground clearance + terrain response system for rough and wet roads
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, rest break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

Tata Safari Cons:

• Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking / u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
• 3rd row access is too difficult in the captain seat variant
• Negligible boot space with all the seats up - a paltry 73 liters
• Safari AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Our test car had a problem too!
• Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12-months is the norm today)
• Diesel engine does get loud above 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
• Although improved, the Safari's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• By 2021 standards, we’d expect wireless charging + front / 360 camera + ventilated seats
• We don’t agree with the excessive chrome (outside), impractical white interiors & 18” rims (firmer ride)

Read Team-BHP's detailed Tata Safari Review

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• Tata Safari Facelift Review: New Avatar Of The Flagship SUV

By Ninad Mirajgaonkar

5 mins read

Published on October 15, 2023

Follow us on

• The new Tata Safari facelift has received major updates inside-out
• The SUV is a lot more feature-packed now and get advanced tech
• The Safari Facelift will be launched in India on October 17, 2023

Twenty-five years is a long time – and if you are an early millennial like me, back in 1998 you were just about in your teenage, and in awe of this sensation called the Tata Safari . Now I am closer to my mid-life crisis and a large, in-your-face SUV is just what the doctor has prescribed, but in the last 25 years, the Safari too has evolved. This child prodigy that we all fell in love with has also come of age. So, I spent a day with the new Safari to figure out how this facelifted version fits the needs of someone looking to buy an SUV, today.

Also Read: Tata Harrier Facelift, Safari Facelift Launch On October 17, 2023

The Safari has moved on from the angry look; that is just the Harrier now. Tata with this facelift has created more distinction between the two SUVs. While the Harrier continues to get horizontal and angular lines, the Safari has more vertical elements. What this has ensured is that instead of looking like a fighter about to enter the ring, the Safari now carries itself with the charm of an army officer! 

Also Read: Tata Harrier Facelift Review

In terms of design updates, this now gets a full-width LED bar with welcome and goodbye animation. While I am not a big fan of this new trend, to be honest, it does look nice on the Safari. The profile is more or less the same, but the new 19-inch alloys are very cool looking and fill up the wheel wells nicely. 

As for the rear, the LED taillights also get a connected pattern, in line with the Safari’s design theme with vertical lines. Having said that, the rear isn’t the most appealing angle to look at the safari; the design makes it look a little smaller than it is. 

Also Read: Tata Harrier Facelift, Safari Facelift Nominated For Bharat NCAP Crash Tests

I like the way the new Safari looks – sophisticated! One of the key reasons for that is also the choice of colours – the Cosmic Gold that I drove is quite unique, I am also keen on looking at the Supernova Copper and Lunar Slate.

At first glance, the inside looks very different from the earlier model. Though the layout is very much the same, to ensure that the SUV feels more premium Tata has played with the styling. The dashboard gets faux wood inlays with a pinstripe pattern, which helps in creating this upmarket image. And I think it looks particularly nice.

Although a bit gimmicky, the new steering, with the illuminated Tata logo, does get its fair share of attention and the infotainment system is a 12.3-inch unit on this top-end Accomplished persona. The instrument cluster is also big, 10.25-inch to be precise, with many customisation options. The Safari also gets a piano black panel for capacitive buttons for AC and other in-car controls, along with a rotary dial with a built-in screen for the terrain modes.

New features on the Safari include a powered tailgate (finally!), a 10-speaker JBL system, 7 airbags, wireless charger dual-zone AC, and rear sunshades. The system also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with JBL modes that allow you to select between different predefined music settings. 

The space in the car remains unchanged. If you intend to use the Safari as a chauffeur-driven car, then the boss mode at the back is handy. Also, the cooled seats at the back are a very valuable feature that not many in the market offer at this point. The third row is for children and has its own storage pockets, air vents and charging points with USB and type-C ports. 

Performance

There is no change to the powertrain of the Safari. It runs on the same 2.0-litre diesel motor that makes 168 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The key updates here are the paddle shifters and the switch to electric power steering, which make driving this relatively large SUV easier.

In city mode, it lacks bottom-end, this though can be quickly addressed by the use of paddle shifters or Sport mode. There are a few tweaks to the suspension as well and the ride is marginally better than before, not that it was ever too bad!

While overall I like the way Safari drives, I am not a big fan of the ADAS for everyday usage. It feels intrusive and the cabin is always ringing with one alert or another, since driving sense in our chaotic cities is abysmal. 

On the highway, though it is a different story, with the adaptive cruise control, expressway driving becomes a lot easier.  

With the ground clearance and the torque, some amount of soft-roading too is easy for the Safari. For those still looking for AWD, I think the wait will continue at least till 2025.

Safety and Variant Details

Six airbags are standard across all five personas of the Safari. The base is the Smart Persona which comes with 17-inch alloys and 6 airbags. The Pure Persona gets a touchscreen infotainment system with 6 speakers, Android Auto, Apple Carplay and a reverse parking camera. 

Also Read: Tata Safari Facelift: Variants Explained

The Adventure Persona above it, gets 18-inch wheels, 360-degree view cameras for parking and optional ADAS which is not updated to offer adaptive cruise control. The top-end Fearless and Dark persona gets 19-inch alloys, a bigger display and a music system along with 7 airbags. 

For the ones looking at the Safari as an answer to their midlife crisis, they will have to look somewhere else. Without the AWD, the Safari is not a toy. This is a serious car for a mature buyer. For someone looking for a 6- and 7-seater family car with solid features, modern tech like ADAS, decent space and acceptable safety, the Tata Safari makes a very compelling case. Prices for the SUV will be announced on October 17, 2023, and I think a premium of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, depending on the variant, would be a reasonable ask. 

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2023 Tata Safari facelift review: Family car with bachelor's spirit

• Decent styling updates on the outside
• Much more premium cabin than before
• No AWD or petrol engine option
• Tata Safari gets subtle but significant updates to its exterior styling while the cabin has been armed with newer features.

The Tata Safari is the flagship model for the Indian car maker that was first introduced in the country in 2021. At that time, the focus was as much on drawing inspiration from an iconic name as was on putting a brand-new model on a pedestal. This eventually resulted in the introduction of a three-row vehicle that promised SUV-like style but claimed MPV-like comfort. Fast forward just two years and the updated Tata Safari has a new wardrobe to show off in 2023.

Tata has been steadily increasing its focus on passenger vehicles that not just drive well and have top-notch safety credentials but look cutting-edge as well. Or at least extremely contemporary. Just look at the models like Altroz hatchback, the updated Nexon compact SUV and Nexon EV or even the latest Harrier SUV. Here are cars across different body types that showcase the current best that Tata Motors' designers have to offer. And it is a treat for sure. Towards this end, the new Tata Safari has been given a noticeable makeover as well even though it obviously retains its OG flavour.

Also check these Cars

And then there is the pivotal factor of in-car features - the more, the better, even if you end up not using a significant chunk of these in the long run. The Koreans started the trend and rivals like Tata Motors are only too keen to hit back. The Tata Safari, therefore, was always going to be pampered and peppered with features galore. So how do all of these factors come together to manifest in the flagship product from Tata Motors? Here is the first-drive review of the 2023 Tata Safari facelift:

Also watch: 2023 Tata Safari review: Family SUV with bachelor spirit?

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Exterior

The updated Safari looks a tad bit more sporty compared to the outgoing model, while still retaining its largely sophisticated exterior design language. The face, for instance, has been reworked and now sports a new grille, a reworked vertical housing for the fog lamps and headlights, and a stretched DRL bar that connects the sequential DRLs on either side. In a nutshell, the comprehensive updates of the front fascia have given the SUV a butch yet premium look, making it significantly distinctive from the previous model which it has replaced.

There is not much change in the side profile of the new Tata Safari SUV, apart from the reworked alloy design on the 19-inch wheels. The design is likely to evoke different reactions from different viewpoints instead of inviting unilateral awe. But what works really well is how Tata Motors' designers have managed to snub the use of chrome elements and still come up with a visually striking profile. Overall, the side profile of the SUV looks slightly curvy and pretty clean. The subtly flared wheel arches give the SUV a bold and muscular look, while the new design alloy wheels enhance the premium sporty feel.

There are no chrome elements on the rear of the Safari either, where a stretched LED bar connects the two tail lights and runs all across the length of the trunk door which, by the way, offers powered powered-open option. Besides that, the tailgate looks pretty sculpted thanks to the glossy black panel running through the centre of the trunk that also houses the sleek LED bar. The integrated roof spoiler and chunky black bumper with a thick metal skid plate are other design elements that come enhancing the SUV's bold visual appearance.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Interior

The new Tata Safari's cabin has become much more premium now and a slew of updates to the feature list as well as to the upholstery lend the vehicle a premium appeal that would have otherwise been restricted to models in segments above the one this car competes in. The top-end Accomplished variant - or persona, as Tata Motors refers to it, comes with a dual-tone colour scheme inside the cabin but the White theme on the seats would be quite hard to maintain in pristine condition.

The layered dashboard now gets an artificial wood panel which is a nice touch while the central section is dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit that is intuitive, puts out clear feed from the 360-degree cameras and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The map feed can also be redirected to the all-digital driver display screen for better navigation which now sports customisable layouts.

The steering wheel has also been updated and is now a four-spoke set with mounted controls and has an illuminated Tata logo on it. This is certainly another nice touch from Tata Motors enhancing the premium quotient inside the cabin of the new Safari SUV. The updated steering wheel is quite easy to operate and control the advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) functionalities that this car offers, courtesy of the layout of the control buttons on the wheel. On that note, the new Tata Safari SUV offers 11 ADAS functions in a further bid to aid driving safety and convenience.

There are plenty of other convenience features that the new Safari packs as well, whether it is the dual-zone climate control function, air purification system, ventilated seats at the front and middle, voice-activated panoramic sunroof, Alexa to Home technology or remote access to the vehicle.

Space remains the same inside the cabin of the new Tata Safari, which means that the SUV continues to be a decently spacious vehicle for passengers in all three rows. Space in that third row, however, continues to come at the cost of a compromised boot storage space. But that's really expected, right?

Overall, the new Tata Safari SUV come as a very well-appointed vehicle with quite a lot of space for comfortable long trips but now, at least in the top-spec version, is significantly more premium than before.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Safety

Tata Motors has been taking the front row across different segments in the Indian passenger vehicle market over the last few years when it comes to making safe cars. While the modern Tata cars come with a wide range of safety features, they also come with robust build quality as well. The Tata Safari facelift too comes following the same strategy.

The Tata Safari comes well-equipped with a host of safety features designed to provide peace of mind to the occupants. Some of the advanced safety technologies available onboard the Tata Safari facelift include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, rain-sensing wipers, rollover mitigation, hill hold control, 360-degree view HD camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, front collision prevention function, blind spot detection etc. Moreover, it also gets features like ABS with EBD, Isofix child seat anchors etc.

Here are some of the key safety features onboard the Tata Safari.

• Seven airbags with six as standard
• Electronic stability control as standard
• Three-point seatbelts in all rows
• Seatbelt reminder for all passengers
• Isofix tethers
• Seatbelts with retractor, pre-tensioner, load limiter and anchor pretensioner
• Reinforced cabin structure promising to provide symmetric crash performance and side pole impact

Update: Keeping the trend of introducing safe cars in India, Tata Motors has delivered again with the new Safari and Harrier, as both these two SUVs have achieved five-star Global NCAP safety ratings for adult and child occupant categories. Besides that, the Tata Safari and the Tata Harrier SUVs scored a five-star safety rating at the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP or BNCAP) as well. While announcing the test results Bharat NCAP authorities have announced that the Tata Safari and Tata Harrier have scored five-star ratings with top-notch adult and child safety ratings in frontal, side and pole side impact tests.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Performance

Here is where the updated Tata Safari SUV could have been improved so much more. But isn't. So much has already been mentioned - and experienced - about the 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor under the hood and the choice between an automatic gearbox and a six-speed manual stick. Yes, the turbocharged diesel motor could have been refined further. Yes, the grunt is still uncomfortably palpable when pushing the vehicle to its limits. But yes, the new Tata Safari - especially with the automatic transmission - is still quite a fun car to drive and has enough power to get a move on when required. The suspension continues to hold its own on rough roads and the steering still has a nice heft to aid matters.

But why this otherwise very capable model does not also come with a petrol engine under its hood is beyond the comprehension of many. Tata Motors is almost snubbing the petrol-buying audience in the country, a group that is steadily increasing. There is also no 4x4 option for the updated version of the SUV because the platform on which the new Tata Safari is based on does not allow for it. But here is also a miss, especially as this model does go up against authentic off-road options in the market as well.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Verdict

The updated Tata Safari is a big step up in terms of its exterior design and cabin features and quality when compared to the previous model. Space has always been this car's strength but the additions to the feature list arm this SUV to the absolute teeth.

The diesel motor and the automatic transmission work extremely well in tandem but as mentioned previously, Tata Motors ought to strongly consider a petrol option for the model as well, especially considering the number of buyers favouring the petrol engines are increasing across India over the last few years

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2021 Tata Safari road test review

We always knew there was going to be a three-row Harrier, Tata Motors made sure of that with the showings at Geneva and then at the Auto Expo. But what we didn't know was that this was in fact the new Safari. An inspired move no doubt, but one that brings with it the sentimentality and expectations associated with a well-remembered name. So now this needs to be not just a good SUV but a good Safari. A cakewalk or do the trappings of lineage hold it back?

2021 Tata Safari Styling

Look at the new Safari straight on and you'll need a discerning automotive eye to separate it from the Harrier. The grille is now finished in brushed silver with Tata Motors' new tri-arrow motifs highlighted in chrome. There's some more chrome around the carried-over split headlamps. These changes are well-integrated and don't necessarily feel overdone. Although we prefer the more subdued arrangement in the Harrier, a section of the new Safari's buyers will appreciate the added presence these changes bring.

Things remain largely untouched till the C-pillar. So you have the same bold shapes and hefty haunches of the donor car. Larger 18-inch wheels have been added here for more effect, which carry over the same two-tone design as seen on the BSVI Harrier's 17-inchers.

Tata Motors makes some attractive cars these days and this design prowess is quite apparent in how the 60mm longer rear overhang for the third-row has been incorporated into the Safari, obviously helped by the modularity of the Land Rover-derived OMEGArc monocoque structure. So the sloping roofline of the Harrier has been replaced by a flat stepped roof in a nod to the original Safari, although the panoramic sunroof-equipped version uses a rising roof panel to incorporate the glass. These versions also get only an ornamental roofrail for the stepped effect while other Safaris can be fitted with carriers and have a weight rating of 130kg.

This more functional theme is carried on by the rest of the rear section. We liked the silver design element that drops from the roof, it reduces the heft around the thick D-pillar and the quite large quarter glass. The part-LED tailamps are now of a flatter design, joined by a widened gloss-black panel on the more upright boot. The auxiliary fog lamps are new as well while the rear bumper carries some neat boxed arrangements to further break what would have been a monotonous look. Quite a departure from the squat look of the Harrier's rear but one that still makes the Safari one of the better looking SUVs in its price range, even if it isn't immediately recognizable as a Safari.

2021 Tata Safari interiors and features

One of the main pillars on which the original Safari built its reputation was the sense of space and comfort in its cabin. Tata Motors has addressed that quite well we think, with the Harrier being the starting point. The brown wood and tan upholstery of the Harrier has been replaced by an off-white upholstery and dark ash wood dash trim. The white upholstery is going to take some maintenance but it has added to the sense of space in the already large cabin, the new wood trim also looks more genuine than the one in the Harrier. The dash design has been lifted from the Harrier and uses the same materials, but the level of fit and finish has improved by some margin. The switches feel a bit more tactile than before and we couldn't find many ill-fitted panels. The newly added ambient lighting adds to this improved sense of quality further.

Other than this, the good and the not so good remain as they were for front passengers. So we like the tucked in driving position and the low window sill which seems to give you both - a better sense of control and good visibility. Thankfully, the uncomfortable aircraft-style handbrake has been replaced by an electronic one that also incorporates an auto-hold function. The 8.8-inch touchscreen and the 7-inch digital instrumentation continue unchanged, and so our reservations with the layout and interface of these units remain as they were. Other than what came to the Harrier with its BSVI update, the Safari adds iRA connected car tech and TPMS. Now you wouldn't call the Safari under-equipped but the segment that it wants to compete in offers some of the best-equipped cars at any price range in India. We feel the lack of wireless charging, a better resolved 360-degree camera and wireless phone mirroring is something Tata Motors should have addressed.

But these misses are largely forgotten once you step into the second row, available as a bench or in this new captain seat configuration. The seats are very similar to those in the front with the same impressive contouring, under-thigh support and cushioning. The chairs can be slid or reclined, and there's even a mechanism to slide forward the front passenger seat, so legroom is unlikely to be a problem at all. This row is set a tad higher than the first just like in the original Safari, which combined with the large windows and full-sized panoramic sunroof, makes for possibly the most inviting second row of any car below Rs 25 lakh.

In the third row, you realize that the longer rear overhang and 80mm height increase with the Safari have been put to good use. There's enough here for two average-sized adults to be comfortable over at least shorter trips, helped by the sense of space the carved-out roof and the large windows offer. The seats aren't set too low so you aren't crouched in but under-thigh support is always rare in these arrangements and that's no different here. There's even a reasonable amount of legroom although foot space is compromised by the wheel arches. The individual blower controls and USB ports are some more thoughtful touches here.

There's not much luggage space with the third row up(73l), but these fold away without much effort to free up 447 litres. But the bench seat version is the one to get if you want to maximise practicality. These fold flat too, unlike the captain seats, bringing luggage space to 997 litres. Ingress and egress to the third row is much easier with this version as well, the captain seats don't tumble forward to allow access to the last row. Seating aside, the cabin is peppered with large storage spaces and USB ports for all passengers.

2021 Tata Safari Driving impressions

The Safari is mechanically identical to the Harrier, and feels as such on the move. There has been some retuning of the steering and suspension setup to account for the 70 kg weight increase over the 5-seater, but this hasn't fundamentally altered the driving experience.

So the 170PS and 350 Nm FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel is as competent a motor as in any of its other applications, even though it is quite vocal at city speeds. The motor is largely vibration-free and offers up a flat wave of torque from just below 2,000 rpm, so this 1,800+ kg SUV feels alert in most situations. The Hyundai-sourced six-speed auto has a hand at making the Safari feel this way, it's tuned to the same gear ratios as the Harrier, and is largely unintrusive as long as you don't ask for heavy-footed kickdowns, where there are some hesitant downshifts. But the sport mode dials this anomaly away quite easily. It's best to just leave the Safari in the sport drive mode we think. You get the full 350 Nm torque output only in this setting, otherwise limited to 280 Nm in Eco and 320 Nm in the default City mode which dulls the drivetrain's responsiveness to an extent, especially with power petering off after 4,000rpm. A concern is the gearbox's tendency to start freewheeling off-throttle. This may improve efficiency but it also makes progress on a downhill section trickier than it needs to be.

The hydraulic steering setup feels somewhat counterintuitive. It's hefty enough at low speeds to make parking a chore, settling into lightness that makes progress in city traffic effortless but not quite weighing up enough for highway cruising. There's also some kickback over sharp bumps and occasional torque steer under hard acceleration, taking away from the SUV's otherwise impressive high-speed stability. It stays well poised at speed and brings with it a sense of solidity that's becoming a recurring theme on Tata's newer offerings. Aside from some pitch while accelerating hard, the suspension setup soaks up bumps and imperfections very well at speed. The larger wheels haven't affected this trait much, but the Safari could do better at tackling patched road surfaces and ruts in the city. There's an element of firmness here that only fades away as speeds build.

For its dimensions, the Safari is quite adept at negotiating a series of bends. You're always aware of its girth but body movements are progressive and the nose tucks in quite easily, so you and your passengers won't be moved around in their seats too uncomfortably. But again the steering is the limiting factor here, its lightness and quickness never let you confidently exploit these positives. The switch to rear disc brakes is a great move, and while there's not much feel from the pedal, the actual braking performance is linear and much improved from the Harrier. Further, a set of ESC-based terrain modes are on offer, but with no AWD the Safari is at best a good softroader.

We also managed a short spin in the manual Safari. The ride and handling character is very similar to the auto but we found the engine to be a bit more eager, unshackled from the torque converter. As for the manual gearbox, its an FCA-derived unit that offers crisp throws although the long-travel clutch can get tiring in heavy traffic. The automatic is a better-rounded drivetrain given how the Safari will be used.

2021 Tata Safari Verdict

So is this a great Safari? We aren't entirely convinced. Some of the original's traits like the stepped roof and comforting cabin have been realized in this reboot. But the lack of a 4x4 system in the interests of managing costs, a crucial addition that made the original so versatile to begin with, is unfortunate. Especially when this Land Rover architecture is perfectly capable of accommodating one. With this being the new flagship, a unique front-end inspired by the original would have helped make a more direct connection too. We've seen Tata Motors do this with the Sierra concept and a similar take here would have gone a long way.

And what of it as a seven-seater SUV? In the larger scheme of things, the new Safari is a compelling buy in the price point it is expected to come in at(approx Rs 1-1.5 lakh over the Harrier). It's got the presence, space and comfort of very few cars in this segment, and aside from some shortcomings in features and dynamic tuning, will be a fulfilling car to live with whether you use it as a roadtrip machine or a city car.

2021 Tata Safari real-world mileage and performance

City fuel efficiency - 10.32 kmpl Highway fuel efficiency - 15.01 kmpl Overall fuel efficiency - 11.50 kmpl

0-100 kmph - 11.6s

30-50 kmph - 1.9s 50-70 kmph - 2.3s 60-80 kmph - 2.4s

100-0 kmph - 43m/3.1s

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Network18 Updates

• 2021 Tata Safari Diesel Manual First Drive Review

Santosh Nair

Why would I buy it?

• Comfortable and spacious cabin
• Strong performance
• Third-row usability

Why would I avoid it?

• Inconsistent steering response
• Quality isn’t up to the segment standard
• Low boot space with all three rows up

We have to admit that Tata Motors has pulled off a great product with the new Safari . As such, we strongly suggest one opts for the automatic version as all the glitches associated with the manual can be avoided. Sure, the new Tata Safari doesn’t have the off-roading calibre that its predecessor flaunted, but even then, it’s not like the original was beating the Mahindra Thar at all the mud-plugging activities either. So the new Safari stacks up well by offering great comfort and style, a strong motor with decent dynamics, a long list of features, and a thoroughly usable third row. Considering this segment is going to get crowded soon, the company did well to plug it earlier on.

Engine and Performance

Straight off the bat, I can easily say that driving the manual is nowhere as pleasant as the automatic, and you can read more about the automatic variant here . Moving forward, insulation is quite impressive, and the only way you can hear anything intrusive is if you keep the throttle pinned. Which isn’t necessary either, as the peppy nature of this 170bhp/350Nm, two-litre four-cylinder diesel motor doesn’t require one to wander at the rev-limits to depict its true potential.

What’s also commendable about this mill is that it is a smooth, and quick one. By the latter, I mean the strong midrange can make driving this SUV actually quite entertaining (despite the size), especially when the turbo goes on-boost at about 2,000rpm. Better still, there’s not much turbo lag until it does too. Just for the record, our VBox recorded the manual Safari ’s 0-100kpmh run in a rather dignified 11.65 seconds (auto- 11.48 sec)

In fact, the ample torque and flexibility from this engine means you can drive around in third gear at city speeds without the motor nudging you for a downshift. To put things in perspective, the 20-80 and 40-100 runs in third and fourth gear, a measure of its drivability and overtaking, is dispatched in 8.74 and 11.43 seconds (auto- 6.37, 8.19 sec).

As for the fuel efficiency, this manual Safari returned 11.3/18.9kmpl (city/highway), which seems quite reasonable for an SUV this size. But after spending some time behind the wheel, I really felt that a shorter clutch travel would have made driving a whole lot easier since one can anticipate the clutch’s bite-point better. Not to forget that there’s some slack in this six-speeder’s shift action which makes going up-and-down the gears feel finicky.

Now, as is the case with the automatic, this iteration also gets the Eco, City and Sport modes. I stayed away from Eco-mode’s subdued responses not just because I wasn’t running low on fuel, but because by then I was already smitten by the City-mode which is good enough for most driving situations. Interestingly, activating Sport-mode when you are partially on the throttle, vaguely resembles the feel when NOS goes on-boost in a racing car. Nice!

Ride and Handling

The steering, on the other hand, is a mixed bag overall. Sure, it’s quick with just 2.5 circles from lock-to-lock, which thoroughly reduces one’s arm-work while manoeuvring. But, unlike the Harrier , this steering feels oddly heavy at slow speeds and gets too light as you go faster. Couple this weirdness to the already progressive response off the dead-centre, and you’re left steering with constant corrections like an anxious dog sniffing feverishly from right-to-left.

Not surprisingly, you’re caught attacking corners and driving this SUV like it isn’t one. Thankfully the Land Rover credentials kick-in at the right time by lending an assuring chassis-balance and promising grip, along with just the right amount of controllable lean too. What’s more, the tremendous bite from the discs at all four corners makes even emergency braking situations feel like a cakewalk. It would’ve been perfect, though, had the response at the pedal felt better.

Having said that, my favourite has to be the Safari ’s ability to gulp everything you throw at it, at higher speeds. Yes, the ride quality can get slightly stiff at slower speeds, but with so much power and dynamics on tap, the only time I actually drove slowly was in serious traffic. This SUV was built to devour speed breakers; be it at speed or not, it simply doesn’t matter. And if you miss spotting one, there’s hardly any rear-kickback too, which dials down a lot of driving-related stress.

Interior Space and Quality

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the Harrier so it’s only obvious that even my sub-conscious self can spot the differences, or additions. To start with, sadly, some of the same flaws as with the Harrier exist, namely the quality, fit and finish, and rough edges at some spots. And so is the case with the odd vertically-slanting stalks. Besides, we seriously feel it’s time for the boring steering wheel to get upgraded to what's offered with the likes of the Tiago / Altroz . On the brighter side, some fresh grey trim can be seen complementing the dual-tone soft-top dashboard that’s already highlighted by lots of thick silver-trim running from end to end.

You just have to admit that it’s a bold step to opt for the white trim around the cabin and seat upholstery. This undoubtedly, along with the huge panorama sunroof, makes the cabin look super cool and airy. And while at it, the JBL speakers continue to rock at displacing quality decibels to your lug-holes.

Functional add-ons include an extra USB port inside the arm rest (Harrier gets one), a new electronic hand-brake switch that’s beautifully integrated where the aircraft-style brake-lever existed, and a snazzy ‘Boss-mode’ lever on the front passenger seat that allows the second-row passenger to adjust the front seat for that extra legroom.

Additionally, to simplify the usage of the AUX and USB ports on the central console, the section has been redesigned and highlighted for better identification. However, access to the cubby space still remains tricky to use when the AUX/USB cords are attached.

Just like in the Harrier, the first two rows in the Safari also offer ample legroom, shoulder-room and headroom. The seats themselves are large and supportive, so long journeys are bound to be comfortable even for long stints. In fact, the second-row bench, with its adjustable backrest angle, can easily seat three in sufficient comfort, while also benefitting from the slightly stepped-up floor which boosts visibility all around.

In this middle row bench-seat layout, the single-seat tumbles so that one can climb onto the third row. While one wouldn’t term it as a squeeze, you’d certainly need to plan your footwork to avoid looking like a halfwit. Once in though, you’ll notice that the last row is also positioned slightly higher than the middle row. This, coupled with the decent visibility from the angled quarter-glass, despite being encroached upon by the air-con vents, makes for decent viewing angles that could easily prevent any form of claustrophobic moments.

Otherwise, this section is complete with its fair share of air-con blower controls, two USB ports, cup holders, a netted cubby space, and the holding sections also double up as arm-rests.

As for the last-row twin flat-folding seats, their squabs and backrests are favourably contoured with a reasonable amount of cushioning and are actually fine to be seated in. Sure, thigh support may be non-existent, but the back support kicks in to offer some solace. Surprisingly, there’s enough shoulder room, legroom, and foot room for two adults like me (5.6 feet, 83kg).

Now, although headroom can get cramped for tall occupants here, I was actually surprised at the reasonable creature comfort offered in this row. Also, with all rows up, the boot space is good for two slim laptop bags at the most; strictly nothing more. But, folding the last row liberated enough space for three suitcases and a few soft bags.

Features and Safety

The Safari variant you see in the pictures is the XZ plus. Some of the stand-out features include automatic xenon projector headlamps, fog lights with cornering function, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with nine JBL speakers. Then, there’s the single-zone climate control, mood lighting, connected car tech, leatherette seat upholstery, electric driver’s seat and the snazzy-sounding ‘Boss’ mode! In terms of safety, this version gets tyre pressure monitoring, six airbags, hill-descent control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and traction control.

There’s also roll-over mitigation, corner stability control, ESP, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with camera, disc brakes on all four wheels, and the acclaimed Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough and Wet).

It would be ideal to say that the new Safari is a good option to the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 , MG ’s Hector Plus , Hyundai ’s upcoming Alcazar , and the Jeep Compass seven-seater. But, the biggest drawback most folks bring up in this new Safari, is that it lacks the original’s off-road credentials.

The way we see it, had it received the all-wheel-drive machinery, its Land Rover underpinnings would’ve made the package quite unaffordable as engineers would’ve been forced to use a Land Rover AWD setup. Or at-least build one from ground-up which would certainly have worked out to be expensive.

I’d suggest picking the new Safari, stay clear of the sticky situations, while still resorting to the built-in Terrain Response Modes whenever the going gets tricky. Plus, we feel that its output is better optimised to the automatic transmission, and despite the latter being about 1.7 lakh dearer (Rs 24.12 XZ Plus manual, OTR Mumbai), it makes a-world-of-difference as you don’t need to live with the quirks of the manual-geared version. Also, we certainly didn’t approve of the odd steering response, the quality and fit/finish in some areas, the infotainment screen that should've been bigger, and the boot space with all the rows-up is seriously sparse.

On the contrary, what you’ll truly take to in the new Safari is the comfort that’s brought about by a slew of factors. Be it the pristine insulation, or the comfortable, stylish and airy cabin which is feature-loaded, or even for that matter, the surprisingly liveable third-row. And lest we forget, its meaty performance that’s complemented by the sharp brakes, the sorted ride, and the reasonable efficiency considering the overall bulk. Nice Tata , this!

Pictures: Kaustubh Gandhi

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The New Safari

The New Safari carries on the legendary lineage with contemporary and premium updates. The New Safari is a compelling combination of Grand Design, Cutting-edge Technology & Luxurious Comfort . It is also the Safest Vehicle in India with highest 5 star rating from GNCAP.  

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The Grand Design

The new safari showcases an artistic sensibility that’s sophisticated, assertive and way ahead of its time

• New Parametric Grille

First impressions should always leave an indelible mark. The New Safari’s Parametric Grille is designed to do just that. It makes the frontal stance bolder and masculine, captivating the onlooker instantly.

Bi-LED Projector Head Lamp

Experience the elegance and enhanced visibility of the new powerful Bi-LED lamps in the new Safari. Light up the road as you move ahead.

Sequential LED DRLs & Centre Position Lamp

Let the world notice your presence, and be mighty impressed, with it. The New LED DRLs and Centre position lamp accentuate the road presence of your New Safari elevating its overall appeal.

• Signature Connected LED Tail Lamp

Now your goodbyes, too, will be hard to forget. The beauty with which you leave will keep your admirers wanting for more, waiting for you to make an entry and get going again.

• New R19 Dual Tone Spider Alloys

Made to rule the road, these alloys add to the masculine persona of the New Safari. The aero inserts are thoughtfully integrated to enhance the aerodynamics and all-round aesthetics.

• Signature Safari Mascot on doors

Owning a Safari is a matter of pride. Now be reminded of it every time you get in or out. And feel great about taking the legacy forward.

• Iconic Roof Rails with Chrome Inserts

Leave an unforgettable impression with our iconic roof rails. They not only highlight the SUV's design but also bestow it with a commanding, masculine presence.

• Bi-LED Projector Headlamps
• End to End Connected LED DRL

• Oyster White & Titan Brown Interior Theme

The rich yet subtle interior theme elevates the whole Safari experience to another level. A delight to the senses, it makes you feel that the best the world has to offer is all around you, in your New Safari.

Persona Based Dashboard with Mood Lighting

Uniquely elegant and luxurious aesthetic of the Dashboard elevates the ambience of Your Safari.  Persona based interior theme to offer a unique experience.

• New Dual Tone 4 Spoke Steering Wheel with Illuminated Logo

Hold it, and you'll be transported to the future. The new steering comes with illuminated Logo & Leather wrapped to make your drive experience premium.

• Benecke Kaliko Oyster White Leatherette Seats

Reserved only for you, these ultra-premium Leatherette seats come with deco stitch that elegantly ties comfort with style.

• Persona Based interior themes

Explore our complete range of cars from the comfort of your homes

Everything that the new safari offers is protected at all times, under any condition.

The Safest Space

Everything that the new safari offers is protected at all times, under any condition

• GNCAP 5 Star Rating
• Pedigree of OMEGARC
• Advanced ESP with 17 Features*
• Emergency Call/Breakdown Call

• Electronic parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold

Take your safety to the next level with our new Auto Hold Function, a traffic essential. Its user-friendly, fail-safe, space-saving features embodies our commitment to simple and utility-driven design.

• 360° Surround View system

Nothing can get in the way of you having a safe drive. We have your back, front, left, right and center, all in high definition.

3-Point ELR Seat Belt for all Passengers with Reminder

Elevate your Safety standard with 3-point seat belt for the all passengers. Crafted with care for every occupant's safety and comfort, it includes seat belt reminder system for all passengers.

• Hill Hold Control

If always going uphill is your vibe, then the New Safari has the means to make it totally hassle-free. Because when you’re going up, you don’t really enjoy coming down.

• 3 Pt ELR Seat Belt with Reminder for All occupants

A highly-intuitive Companion that's build to take on surprises and make your driving truly seamless.

• Autonomous Emergency Braking

Leave no room for uncertainties on road with Autonomous Emergency Braking. The ADAS system monitors the surrounding to identify probable collision scenarios with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and if required applies brake automatically* to ensure that you and others stay safe from any harm.

• Forward Collision Warning

Protects vehicle from front collisions by alerting the driver of any danger in the front through Audio-Visual warning.

• Rear Collision Warning

The ADAS system monitors and alerts you of any incoming speeding vehicle in the rear of your vehicle through audio and visual alerts. It also alerts the driver of incoming vehicle to take necessary actions by blinking of hazard lamps.

• Traffic Sign Recognition

You might miss the traffic signs sometimes, but now your car won't. The ADAS system monitors traffic sign boards like "Speed Limits* "No Overtaking* and provides you with inputs so that you can take necessary corrections if required.

• High Beam Assist

Now drive freely on the roads without having to worry about distractions caused by oncoming vehicles. High Beam Assist automatically adjusts headlights from high to low beam when oncoming vehicles are detected.

• Lane Departure warning

 Your car now helps you to stay alert on road by informing you about the things you are unaware of.

The ADAS system monitors lane markings and warns you of any un-intended deviation from the lane.

• Blind Spot Detection

Blind spots can take you by surprise even on your best days.

Blind Spot Detection system monitors vehicle's surrounding to identify any blind spots and alerts you of any possible hazard through audio-visual warnings so that you can take precautionary actions.

• Lane Change Alert

 Your car now helps you to stay alert on road by informing you about the things you are unaware of. The ADAS System monitors the surrounding and warns you of any dangerous lane change

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The system prevents you from getting startled by objects approaching or present in the rear blind spot of the vehicle and alerts you through audio and visual alerts which help in easy and safe reversing.

• Door Open Alert

Helps in ensuring safer door opening by alerting Driver and/or passengers of any imminent danger through Alerts.

Performance

The Power Play

When supreme power is under the feet, the thrill of driving becomes greater

KRYOTEC 170 PS BS6 Ph2 Diesel Engine

Power and performance go hand in hand with the 2.0 L KRYOTEC diesel engine that gives out 170 PS power and 350 Nm torque.

• Smart E-shifter

Drive easy with a dash of style. This Smart E - Shifter in the New Safari not only adds to the convenience of gear shifting but is also sophisticated in its design.

Paddle Shifters

Maneuver the daily chaos with utmost ease. Shift to a futuristic way of maintaining complete control on your Safari without having to take your hands off the wheel.

Bejewelled Terrain Response Modes with Display

No matter what the road, you have just the mode to conquer it. Each mode meticulously fine-tunes the Safari’s performance to suit the driving condition.

• Multi Drive Modes

Made for a different you under different driving conditions. The New Safari is designed to cater to every unique need, allowing you to truly enjoy various driving dynamics effortlessly.

• Kryotec 170 PS BS6 Ph2 Diesel Engine
• Paddle Shifter
• Bejeweled Terrain Response Modes with Display

The Tech Appeal

The new safari comes loaded with tech that takes charge of elevating all those on-road experiences.

31.24 cm Harman™ Touch Screen Infotainment

Now every drive in the New Safari is going to be captivating. Equipped with high resolution screen so big, that it will transform your Safari into a cinematic cockpit.

• 26.03 cm Digital Instrument Cluster

Every inch of detail is adapted dynamically to suit your current driving situation. The big multifunctional screen gives you all the information on the go so that you can focus on driving.

JBL™ Music System with 10 Speakers

Stay connected with your Safari in real time. A range of connected features are here to assist you with all the latest updates about your car and also allow you to remotely operate.

Harman™ Audioworx Advanced with 13 JBL™ Audio Modes

An immersive acoustic experience awaits your senses in the New Safari. You will feel the base, hear every beat and lose yourself in the melody of your choice.

Wireless Android auto ™ & Apple Carplay ™ over WiFi

Pair your gadgets and access the content on your smartphone seamlessly. So that you stay connected on the go without taking your eyes off the road.

Multiple Voice Assistants including Alexa™

The New Safari is at your command, in the language of your choice. Choose from a range of Voice command including Alexa™  with Car2Home connectivity.

• 31.24 cm Harman Touch Screen Infotainment
• JBL Music System with 10 Speakers
• Harman Advanced AudioworX with 13 JBL Modes
• Android auto ™ & Apple Carplay ™ over WiFi
• Multiple voice assistants including Alexa

Connected Vehicle Technology with iRA

Customer Delight

The Comfort Zone

The new safari is the epitome of revered elegance and desired calmness.

Voice Assisted Panoramic Sunroof with Mood Lighting

The sun and the stars are both aligned for you to enjoy the view at your command. As you gaze at the stars above, let our integrated sunroof mood lights paint your view with a spectrum of colors.

Gesture Controlled Powered Tail Gate

Open the tailgate even when you have your hands occupied. A simple swipe of the leg under the boot and it opens effortlessly, adding comfort to your everyday routine.

6-way Powered Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome function

Effortless comfort, maximum luxury. The new Safari's 3-step memory storage function elevates your seating experience with ease.

4-Way Powered Co-Driver Seat with Electric Boss Mode

Embrace the power of position. The Boss Mode buttons positions the co-driver seat to unlock maximum legroom, letting you relax and savor the journey ahead.

2nd Row Comfort Head rests & Rear Sun Shades

Now enjoy every journey with more comfort. The New Safari comes with comfort headrest & Sunshades in 2nd row so that you are well rested even in long drives.

Luxurious 3rd Row Seats

Step into the new Safari and relish best-in-class comfort, even in the third row. The back seaters will appreciate ample under-thigh support, convenient mobile charging ports, and smart space holders.

3rd Row AC Vents

In the new Safari, every passenger counts. With a 3-step blower adjustment and smartly positioned vents, we guarantee uninterrupted airflow, even in the harshest weather conditions, no matter your chosen seat.

Intelligent Spaces

For all things big and small, there’s a special place in the New Safari. These thoughtfully created spaces make storage easy and the journey convenient.

Air Purifier

Step into your sanctuary on wheels. Breathe in fresh air, breathe out all your worries. And always stay rejuvenated.

Wireless charger & 45 W C-Type Fast Charger

Just as your vitality never fades, your mobile's battery too will never fail with our blazing 45W C-type charger & built in wireless charging pad.

Front Arm Rest with Cooled Storage

Chilling is easy with thoughtfully designed spaces, right in the front.

Auto Headlamps & Rain Sensing Wipers

Nothing can hamper your visibility. Not the darkness. Not even the rain. Thanks to these intelligent inclusions, every journey is a breeze.

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• Car Comparison Reviews

Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari comparison

The Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari have been among the newsmakers of 2021. We bring the two flagship SUVs together for one big fight.

Published on Dec 10, 2021 08:00:00 AM

1,33,098 Views

With all seats up, both SUVs offer very limited luggage space.

The Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700 are easily two of the most talked about new SUVs in India at the moment. Being the flagship models of India’s very own automotive brands, there’s a nationwide interest in knowing what they’re like, but there’s more to the mania. Big in size, tough in build, and versatile with three rows of seating, the Safari and XUV700 fit the image Indian buyers have of ‘proper’ SUVs, an image, perhaps, subconsciously cemented by none other than the original home-grown heroes, the Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio from two decades ago. Sure, the new Safari and XUV700 are far removed in their monocoque construction and front-wheel-drive layouts, but the fundamental SUV-ness is very much there.

Of course, a lot of the chatter around these two is centred around which one’s better. And that’s where we come in. We’ll be blocking out the noise to give you an objective analysis of these cut-throat rivals. As ever, we’ll judge the contenders on a wide variety of parameters to pick one definitive winner.

Standing tall

Measuring over 4.6m long, the XUV700 and Safari are a full size larger than the crop of midsize SUVs better known as the ‘Creta class’. A spec check will reveal that there’s mere millimetres between the XUV and Safari in length, width and height, but you sure won’t confuse one for the other.

To my eyes, the XUV700 is handsome in its basic design, but styling is overdone at places. The headlights with their comma-like LED DRL extensions, for instance, are distinctive but too jazzy. Simpler looking tail-lamps too would have done the job just as well. But to a typical buyer, the XUV does wow with its upmarket looks and details like the flush-fitting door handles that, on fully loaded versions, automatically pop out on unlocking.

Parked alongside an XUV700, the Safari comes across as more outdoorsy in look. And while no larger than the Mahindra, it’s the Tata which comes across as more rugged. The chunky wheel arches and high bonnet sure help with this impression. And while that split headlamp set-up is shared with the 5-seat Harrier, the Safari’s stepped roof, roof rails and upright tail (inspired by the original Safari) really help it stand out.

Cabin pressure

Getting into a Tata Safari requires a bit of a step up, but once inside, you’ll like what you see. The dashboard with that thick metal-look band running its width is stylish, and the soft touch material on the dash top, among other elements, also conveys quality. Drivers will also like their commanding view out and the feeling of being in something big and tough. But as nice as the Safari’s interior is, the XUV’s is in a different plane.

It starts with the welcome gesture (on AX7 Luxury variants) that has the driver’s seat slide back for easier ingress and egress, which is something you’d typically get in a car of twice the price. The XUV’s front seats themselves are more accommodating than the ones in the Safari (there’s too much side bolstering), and then there’s the general look and feel of things. Material quality, for one, is a step up, with the Mahindra being more generous in its use of padded materials on the dash and doors, while smaller details like gloss plastics for the door window switches only enhance the premium experience inside. That said, the piano black surfaces aren’t well finished and look a bit tacky. Of course, the major talking point inside the XUV700 are the dual 10.25-inch displays for the dials and infotainment unit system. The high-res and vibrant screens give the XUV’s cabin a very tech-heavy vibe. In comparison, the Tata’s part-digital dials and fuzzy 8.8-inch touchscreen arrangement looks outdated.

And that’s the thing. Mahindra’s gone to such lengths to load the XUV700 that it makes the otherwise well-equipped Safari come across as relatively basic. In addition to all that’s been mentioned already, features exclusive to the XUV700 (pictured here in the range-topping AX7 Luxury Pack guise) include a 360-degree camera (it’s crisp, but a bit laggy), blind view monitor (it appears on the dials on activating an indicator) and dual-zone climate control. The XUV700 also has the edge with a slightly larger panoramic sunroof. Curiously, though, an auto dimming rear view mirror is not available on any version of the XUV. Of the other things, wireless phone charging and wireless Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay are features you’d find on both, though it’s worth highlighting that these are recent additions on the Tata. Safaris in limited-run Gold Edition form also get ventilation for the front seats (and rear seats on 6-seat versions) and it’s expected that these features will be rolled out onto the standard range in the days to come. Both SUVs get good sound systems.

The XUV’s 12-speaker Sony 3D set-up does offer more fine-tuning and variation while the Safari’s nine-speaker JBL system is richer in bass.

In terms of safety equipment, both models get ABS and electronic stability control, though the XUV has the upper hand with seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee) to the Safari’s count of six airbags. That the XUV’s curtain airbags extend all the way to the third row is reassuring to know too. While both models comply with latest Indian safety norms, only the XUV700 has a Global NCAP rating too – 5 stars on adult occupant protection and 4 stars on child safety. Where the XUV700 blows the Safari away is in the Active Safety department.

The XUV has the huge distinction of being the only one with camera and radar-based ADAS or advanced driver assistance systems. Over the few days of testing, we found features like adaptive cruise control, traffic assist (that automatically accelerates and brakes in stop-go traffic) and auto high beam assist (it switches to low beam on detecting oncoming vehicles) calibrated well for average Indian conditions. Thankfully, the forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking didn’t come into play at any point. However, the lane keep assist that steers the vehicle to the centre of a lane was often thrown off by our poorly marked roads and was the one ADAS feature we kept off.

Comfort plus

Before we talk second- and third-row comfort, it’s essential to bring in the different seat arrangements these SUVs can be had with.

Lower trims of the XUV700 are offered in a 5-seat format, with a bench in the middle row. Higher-spec 7-seat versions add in a pair of seats as the third row. The Tata Safari, on the other hand, gets a third row as standard, but you can opt for a pair of captain’s chairs or a 3-seat bench for the middle row.

The XUV700’s middle-row bench scores well on comfort. Space is aplenty, the seat is well cushioned, there’s a good amount of support and the 60:40 split seats offer plenty of recline too. The flat floor makes life better for a middle-seat passenger too, and it only helps that the XUV also has the slight advantage in shoulder room. Also, boss mode lends the option to move the front passenger seat forward at the pull of a lever, to free up additional legroom for the middle row. 

You do get more flexibility in a Safari. Boss mode aside, there’s the option to move the middle row seats fore and aft to balance legroom for the last row of passengers, and bench seat-equipped versions also feature ample recline. Were we speccing our Safari, we’d opt for the 7-seat configuration with the bench middle row. The 6-seater might be designed for the chauffeur-driven, but its captain’s chairs aren’t as large or comfy as they should have been. Irrespective of the version you opt for though, you’ll appreciate the stadium seating and the great view out the Safari gets you. We also found the Safari’s air-con vents, which sit on the B-pillar, more effective at channelling cool air than the XUV’s second-row vents that are positioned lower down at the rear centre console. Just wish Tata could also find a better position for the rear USB slots that are positioned low and out of sight.

Back to back

Reaching the third row is tricky business in both SUVs, with access via the rear door. The 7-seat versions of both models get slick single touch tumble and fold mechanisms for the kerb side middle row seats. Sadly, the resulting openings on both models aren’t all that large and adults, especially, will have to contort their way in. Access to the back is (slightly) more convenient on 6-seat Safaris, thanks to the option of walking in via the narrow passage between the middle-row captain’s chairs.

At the very back, you or your passengers will be happier in the Safari. It’s not perfect, but the Tata has the comfier seating position, offers that crucial bit more headroom and kneeroom, and the option to slide the middle-row seats also means you can free up space for a large adult, if just for a short stint. The high-set air-con vents also count for a lot and Tata has thoughtfully added in two USB charging sockets at the very back too.

The XUV’s third-row experience isn’t quite as nice. The knees-up seating position, limited headroom and foot space relegate the seats for occasional usage only. The XUV gets third-row air-con vents and blower controls like the Safari but there’s only a 12V socket to juice up your phone with.

With all seats up, the XUV offers just about enough space to store a few soft bags behind the rearmost seats. In the Safari, there’s even lesser room. Both models do give the option to fold the split third-row seats flat, and this frees up a lot of space. Again, it’s the XUV that offers more room for luggage, thanks to its wider bed.

When it is time to load luggage, you’ll note it’s the Safari’s heavy metal tail gate that requires quite a bit of effort to open. The XUV’s plastic composite tail gate is lighter and more convenient to open/close. But how easy will it be to repair in the event of a rear collision?

Powering up

The Tata Safari’s engine and gearbox line-up is pretty straightforward. There’s a sole 2.0-litre diesel engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto transmission. The XUV’s powertrain matrix is a lot more complex. There’s the choice of a 2.0 petrol engine, with manual and auto gearbox options; there’s also a 2.2 diesel in two states of tune, with the higher powered version further offered with manual and automatic gearboxes; and you can even have the diesel- auto with all-wheel drive. Phew! For this comparo, we’ve taken the popular diesel-auto versions of both, with the test XUV in Safari-like front-wheel-drive avatar.

You’ll like how the Safari delivers its power. The Fiat-sourced 170hp and 350Nm, 2.0 diesel engine actually feels stronger than the numbers suggest, and there’s enough pulling power even when travelling with a full house. Sport mode adds a spring in the Safari’s step and what’s nice is that the Hyundai-sourced 6-speed gearbox is well in tune with the characteristics of the engine. Gearshifts are smooth and timely, though there is a bit of a delay at the gearbox when you suddenly mash down on the accelerator. Manual inputs at the gear lever are well catered to, however. What isn’t all that nice is the engine’s refinement. It’s audible at idle and sounds grumbly when building speed.

Where the Safari’s powertrain is good, the XUV700’s is great and quite frankly in a different league. The Mahindra’s 2.2 diesel engine not only has the displacement advantage, but its 185hp and 450Nm make it a whole lot more powerful too. And you can feel the added power. The XUV feels light on its feet and peppy, in a way you just wouldn’t expect an SUV in this category to be. The impression is backed by the performance numbers. The XUV is significantly quicker in kickdown acceleration (see table) and, if only for theoretical interest, is faster from a standstill to 100kph too (with a time of 10.1sec to the Safari’s 12sec best figure).

Standard Zip mode is more than adequate for most scenarios, though you’ll find yourself switching to Zap and Zoom driving modes that give access to all of the engine’s power. The 6-speed auto also goes about its business with great smoothness and you’ll like how on the ball it is, ready with a quick gearshift in Zoom mode.

Even manual gearshifts via the gear lever are slick. The XUV’s diesel unit does sound gravelly when you’re starting out, but engine refinement on the whole is much better than the Safari’s. Also if it’s ultimate refinement you desire, you’d, perhaps, be better served by the XUV700 petrol.

Twist and turn

It’s in the area of ride and handling that the XUV truly distances itself from the Safari. For starters, the XUV’s electric power steering is really well judged. It’s light and easy to twirl at low speeds (helping the XUV feel smaller than it is) and weighs up adequately and remains linear when you go faster. The drive modes add more weight, but the difference in feel is limited at best. It’s not intended to be a corner carver, but you’ll be more than satisfied by the poise with which the XUV changes direction.

An all-independent suspension with sophisticated frequency selective dampers have been employed on the Mahindra and have resulted in a very un-Mahindra dynamic experience, especially if the old XUV500 is your point of reference. The XUV700 also does a great job of smoothening out surface imperfections, particularly at low speeds.

In the same city settings, you’ll find the Safari’s low-speed ride a bit jittery, the steering feels heavy at parking speeds and there’s a general awareness that you’re piloting something large. The Safari experience gets better as you pick up the pace. There’s a confident heft with which the Tata cruises, and you’ll particularly appreciate how unfazed it feels over broken patches of road taken at high speeds. However, the Tata’s hydraulic steering is the weak link in the experience. There’s kickback on bad roads, torque steer under hard acceleration and an inconsistency that takes away some confidence at high speeds.

It’s when the going gets tough that the Safari feels its best. On mild trails, you’ll find yourself taking more liberties in the Tata that feels built to take a beating. The Tata is built on a Land Rover-derived platform and that inherent toughness comes through. Dedicated terrain modes are also part of the package on the Tata. The XUV isn’t a softie, either. It’s tough in its own right and will do all that the Safari can, but you’ll find yourself going easier in the Mahindra. The XUV does have the critical advantage with optional all-wheel drive, though.

Both models feature front and rear disc brakes but both have their quirks in panic braking scenarios. Where the Safari’s pedal feels mushy, the XUV exhibits considerable dive in hard stops.

Question of the hour

So now that you know what they’re like, time to bring in prices. The Mahindra XUV700 diesel-auto in AX7 Luxury trim has a price tag of Rs 20.89 lakh, while the Tata Safari XZA+ is on sale for Rs 20.79 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

Factor in what they cost and see what both get you for similar money and it’s a convincing win for the XUV700. Sure, the Safari exudes toughness and has that roomier third row, but in all other areas it plays second fiddle to the game-changing new XUV. The Mahindra is plusher inside, is loaded with tech and features, has the stronger engine, is easier as well as more entertaining to drive and generally feels like a more sophisticated package.

Mahindra really has hit it out of the park with the XUV700, and the 75,000+ strong order bank is also telling that buyers like what they see.

Which of these flagship SUVs would you buy? Let us know in the comments below.

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Personal details, chanakya gupta - 887 days ago.

XUV700 for me any day of the week

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Tata Motors Model Wise Sales April 2024 – Nexon, Punch, Harrier, Safari

Tata Motors sold a total of 47,885 units in the month of April 2024; The Punch stood at the top spot followed by the Nexon

Tata Motors has been quite proactive in launching new products in the Indian market and it is one of the key reasons behind its soaring sales figures. April 2024 is no different and the Indian carmaker finished the month by selling 47,885 units, thereby acquiring the third spot in the domestic sales.

This accounts for a marginal increase from the previous year’s figures of 47,010 units, registering a YOY growth of just 2%. The MOM analysis reveals a 4% decline as the company sold 50,105 units in March 2024. Talking about the model-wise sales, the Punch continues to be the Indian carmaker’s top performer with 19,158 units in the bag, registering a staggering 75% YOY growth.

In addition to this, the Punch also became the best-selling car in the passenger vehicle segment in India. The popular compact SUV Nexon’s sales bar stood at 11,168 units, a 26% decline from the previous year. Similarly, Nexon also lost by 21% in the MOM comparison.

Trailing behind these high-volume pullers are the Tiago and Altroz with 6,796 and 5,148 units, respectively. The entry-level hatchback Tiago registered a YOY sales decline of 20% while the Altroz saw an upward trajectory with 11% YOY growth. Tata’s flagship SUVs, the Harrier and Safari’s performed decently last month.

The Safari posted a sales number of 1,716 units while the Harrier’s figures stood at 1,746 units. The former registered a 15% YOY decline while the latter’s YOY sales dipped by a massive 37%. Last but not least, the Tigor sedan sold 2,153 units in April 2024 and the YOY graph plummeted with a 32% decline.

To conclude, the Punch and Altroz are the top gainers in YOY analysis while the Harrier’s sales declined the most. Every model except Punch, Tiago and Tigor experienced MOM decline in April 2024.

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