Tata Safari [2015-2017]

Summary

Tata is a trusted brand known for producing sturdy and fuel efficient utility vehicles. Safari is one such Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Tata Motors which has received immense appreciation from the Indian buyers. This vehicle looks impressively rugged from exterior, and its interiors are quite stylish. Putting all its features together, this SUV is one of the safest and comfortable vehicles of its kind.

Further to this, read Tata Safari Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

The makers of this SUV have done quite a brilliant job modifying and styling its exteriors. The machine looks very rugged, bold and aggressive from front. Its door handles and external rear view mirrors come in body colour. The top-end variants are integrated with electrically adjustable mirrors and side turn blinkers. To help protect the vehicle from minor damages, grey coloured side claddings are mounted in its sides.

At the front fascia, the car is fitted with radiator grille garnished with chrome treated slats. The head light cluster is integrated with side turn indicators and high intensity halogen lights. The bumper also comes body coloured accompanied by a silver cladding. A wide air dam is fitted in the bumper which allows the engine to cool down quickly. The top variants of this vehicle have a pair of radiant fog lamps for enhanced visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Interior

The dual tone cabin is very spacious and incorporated with a range of stylish features. The dashboard has AC vents, glove box, three-spoke steering wheel and an advanced instrument panel. The designer seats are well cushioned and quite comfortable. The SUV is much spacious and offers ample leg space and head room for all passengers. In top variants, dual tone good quality fabric upholstery is offered as a standard feature.

Other features include low fuel warning light, outside temperature display, door ajar warning, and digitaltrip meter and driver seat belt reminder notification. Additionally, front seat back pockets, cup and bottle holders in front console, clock on centre console, a large glove box with sun glass holder and front seats with lumbar support are also featured in the SUV. For charging purpose, a couple of 12V power sockets are provided, one in front and the other one in middle row. An advanced music system is integrated in the top variants, which supports CD/MP3 player, USB interface, Aux-in portradio and AM/FM tuner.

Engine and Transmission

A 2.2-litre diesel engine is equipped in all the variants of Tata Safari. The variable turbine technology of this diesel mill is capable of delivering 138.1 bhp of maximum power with a peak torque output of 320 Nm. This vehicle turns out to be quite impressive and practical for Indian roads and traffic conditions. A five-speed manual gearbox is fixed in the car in order to transmit the produced output to its wheels. Owing to its common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, Safari delivers a decent fuel economy.

Performance and Handling

The overdrive based five-speed manual transmission system of this car helps the engine to deliver a decent pickup and acceleration. This can push the SUV from zero to 100 kmph in around 16 seconds; further clocking a op sped of 150 kmph. This SUV is able to deliver a mileage of 8.32 kmpl in city and 11.57 kmpl on highways. Having a turning radius of 6 meters, the adjustable steering wheel is very responsive and easy to handle.

Braking System

The SUV has amazing balance and stability which is enhanced by its reliable suspension system and efficient braking mechanism. The front axle of the suspension system is fitted with independent double wishbone type of mechanism, whereas a five-link suspension accompanied by coil springs is incorporated in the rear axle for an enhanced driving experience. This biggie has immense control as it is assembled with vacuum assisted independent hydraulic braking system. For a better braking mechanism, a pair of ventilated disc brakes having twin pot calliper are mounted on front wheels. The rear wheels have auto-adjusting type conventional drum brakes.

Mileage

The 2179 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 12 kmpl in city and 14 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

From the perspective of safety, the SUV is incorporated with a number of features, which ensure the safeguard of its occupants as well the vehicle.

Seat belts are there for all passengers. The machine has reminder alert that notifies the driver to wear seat belt. An advanced engine immobilizer has been integrated in all the top variants, which restricts unauthorized entry into vehicle and protects them from theft. The rugged structure of Tata Safari has side impact bars with crumple zones for the protection of occupants in case of accidents. Moreover, child safety rear door locks are also featured in the vehicle for the protection of passengers. Other safety features include tubeless radial tyres, headlights-on notification, clear lens fog lamps, anti-glare interior rear view mirror, collapsible steering column, door open warning and motorized headlamp adjustment function. Additionally, a reverse guide system is integrated in the top-end variants for effortless parking. Apart from the mentioned features, the high performance tubeless radial tyres offer a superior grip on non-favourable road conditions.

Verdict

Though the vehicle is tough and stylish but it lacks fuel efficiency. It has reliable braking and suspension mechanism along with good ground clearance but there is a good scope of enhancing its interiors and exteriors.

Competitors

The Tata Safari is a muscular sports utility vehicle and squares off against the likes of Mahindra Scorpio, Chevrolet Tavera and Force One.

Pros

1. Stable and balanced on all type of road conditions

2. Service network is good

3. Reliable braking and suspension mechanism

4. Affordable price range

5. Good for off-roading with 205 mm ground clearance

Cons

1. Inefficient fuel efficiency

2. Can improve on safety and comfort features

3. Scope of better interiors and exteriors

4. Base variants lack audio system

5. Lack of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)