Tata Safari: Top 10 Differences Over The Harrier

Tata Motors recently took the wraps off the new Safari in a set of official pictures. While the successor to the iconic Safari badge is a three-row monocoque SUV based on the Harrier, the new Safari will have plenty of bits to distinguish it from the Harrier. Here’s a look at the ten best developments coming in the Safari:

10. New Body Shade

One of the first things new in the Safari will be a new blue dark body shade which will be offered alongside the expected shades from the Harrier including Camo Green, Telesto Grey, Calypso Red, Orcus White and Atlas Black.

9. Refreshed Cabin Theme

While proper cabin shots are yet to surface, the Gravitas concept has hinted at a new lighter black-creme colour scheme, which is a nice refresh and gives off an airier vibe.

8. Additional Kit

Since it is based on the Harrier, the new Safari will most likely retain the majority of the former’s feature list. But it could get additional bits like an electronic parking brake, rear disc brake, connected car tech, and a powered tailgate.

7. Swanky Roof Rails 

A nice little touch to the Safari are the roof rails that have a nice wraparound design around the D-pillar area. ‘Safari’ is also inscripted on them! 

6. Bigger wheels

At a glance, you’d notice that the Safari’s wheels are borrowed from the Harrier. But they’re actually 18-inch units instead of the 17-inch wheels on the Harrier.

5. A Growth Spurt

With the presence of a third row, the new Safari has plenty of distinct bits on the outside. Highlights include a stepped roof and an upright tailgate. This helps the Safari get a growth spurt, with the Gravitas concept being 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier. 

4. Refreshed Front-end

Up front, the Safari features a new tri-arrow grille finished in chrome. A similar grille design is present in the Nexon, Tiago and Tigor. 

3. Multiple Seating Options

A tiny snippet of the Safari’s cabin teased by Tata Motors confirms the presence of captain seats in the second row, which would make it a 6-seater setup. Also expect a 7-seater layout with bench seats.

2. Rear-disc brakes

 

The Safari will have an added boost in braking prowess with the addition of rear-disc brakes, which isn’t offered in the Harrier. Instead, the Harrier utilises a rear drum brake setup.

1. Off-road potential

 

As things stand, the Safari will only be offered with the Harrier’s front-wheel drive 170PS/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter transmission option. That’s a bummer as the older Safari was well known for its off-road prowess thanks to its 4x4 drivetrain. Thankfully, the Safari will be capable of accommodating an all-wheel drivetrain. That being said, the introduction of the 4x4 drivetrain will depend on demand. 

The Tata Safari is slated to go on sale in the country in February, with unofficial pre-launch bookings underway for a token amount of Rs 51,000. Prices are likely to start from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. It will go up against the likes of the MG Hector Plus and the upcoming 2021 Mahindra XUV500.