Tata Motors has been updating the Tata Safari facelift at an insane rate. The flagship Safari is now being updated after the Nexon and Harrier, and presently Tata has made significant alterations and has focused on giving the Safari its personality rather than being perceived as just a Harrier with a third row. As a result, this is not a minor tweak. It receives a fully new exterior, an updated interior with contemporary technology, and mechanical upgrades. Let’s assess how well it turned out.
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Tata Safari facelift exterior styling
Without any changes to the sheet metal, the Safari retains Tata’s new design aesthetic. The soft components, such as the bumpers, grille, and lighting, have all been replaced, drastically altering the car’s appearance. An LED daytime running lamp covers the width of the nose, and the Safari also incorporates sequential turn indicators. The ‘parametric’ grille, which distinguishes the two models and is body-colored on the Safari, is a single piece as opposed to the split configuration on the Harrier.
The ‘parametric’ grille, which separates the two models from one another and is body-colored on the Safari, is a single piece as opposed to the split configuration on the Harrier. Further down, in a black housing with chrome Safari branding, the LED headlamps and LED fog lamps are located. Without a split grille, the air intake is blackened out and has a faux metal scuff plate for a butch appearance.
The Safari has 17- and 18-inch wheel options on lower trims and 19-inch wheels on the top-spec model over there. The wheels are excellent at enhancing road presence, and they also have aero features to help with drag reduction. You might also recall the wheel style that Tata Sierra’s Auto Expo concept vehicle used as a sneak peek. Because the 245/55 R19 tires are rather low-profile and wrapped around the alloy wheels, they affect the ride’s comfort. More to follow on that. Further Safari characteristics include a rising shoulder line and the roof’s infamous kink.
The changes to the taillamps, which make it sharper, and the addition of an LED strip make things easier at the rear. With clean lines and a faux metal bash plate for a tough appearance, the bumper is also brand new. One of the most significant modifications, however, can be observed when you wag your leg beneath the bumper: the boot now has gesture control for opening and is finally electronic.
Tata Safari facelift interior and feature updates
The Safari has the same ‘persona-specific specifications as the Harrier. With white and brown upholstery, the top-spec ‘Accomplished’ has a dual-tone interior. Although it has a quality feel, the light-colored seats, panels, and doors will be challenging to keep clean. Additionally, the passenger side receives a pinstripe-adorned faux wood panel that appears upscale but may not be to everyone’s taste.
The Safari features a gloss black panel, the same four-spoke steering wheel as the Harrier, and the illuminated Tata emblem, which is impossible to keep spot-free. Additionally, once your phone is connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you have the choice of a map display on the fully digital instrument cluster, which offers layouts that you may customize. However, Apple users and Android users must use Apple Maps, respectively, for a complete map display. In addition, the cluster shows ADAS settings, changes in terrain mode, and drive mode adjustments. The viewing angles are generally good, as are the brightness and crispness.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen comes next, which has quick response times and wireless connectivity for Apple and Android. A lot of the options for the HVAC, ADAS, air purifier, music modes, and mood lighting are also included. Additionally, the audio system has been upgraded from a 9-speaker system to a 10-speaker system with a subwoofer and 13 settings on the screen. The very well-calibrated presets do improve the musical experience. To make the experience even more personalized, you can even have individual modes for individual seats. The 360-degree camera on the Safari is another standout feature. It has a great resolution and is helpful when maneuvering this SUV.
The gloss black panel housing the HVAC controls is located beneath the screen. The dual-zone climate control temperature toggles are the sole physical buttons. A touch-based interface is used to adjust the fan speed and the other features. Due to the panel’s poor feedback and reaction, adjusting the fan speed or even features like the electronic tailgate opening can be challenging. When you’re moving, this would be considerably more unpleasant, so it’s preferable to utilize voice commands, which, while slower, prevent you from fumbling.
A tough-to-reach wireless charging pad is located further down. You have to shove your phone in awkwardly while attempting to avoid the knurled terrain response selection, which will unavoidably cause it to strike the surrounding panels. The same thing happens when you take it out: more often than not, you hit the HVAC buttons or scratch your phone. There is a 45W type-C port and a USB-A port for charging.
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Tata Safari performance, gearbox, and engine
The new Safari is powered by the same 2.0-liter diesel engine that formerly produced 170 hp and 350 Nm but in BS6.2 form. Tata claims to have improved the damping and refinement, but to be completely honest, the Safari’s cabin still suffers from the normal diesel clatter that occurs at idle. The roar gets louder as you move, and the engine speed rises. Despite this, the engine feels powerful and has a broad torque band. You will receive that punch in the middle, and the overall response is good.
Tata Safari verdict
The base Smart manual Safari model has an introductory price of Rs 16.19 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Many of the Safari’s shortcomings have been fixed with this upgrade, thanks to the electric power steering, electronic tailgate, additional features, and a contemporary look. The engine refinement and a few ergonomic concerns persist.