2023 Tata Safari Facelift Review

The Tata Safari, a renowned name in the SUV market, was reintroduced in 2021. The 7-seater SUV has now received its first facelift. The 2023 Safari sees extensive updates in its looks, interior, and features.

Within the price range of Rs 25-30 lakhs, the Safari stands as a strong choice for families seeking a spacious SUV, competing with rivals like the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700, and the Hyundai Alcazar.

Let's delve deeper into what’s changed.

Design

The shape and dimensions of the Tata Safari remain unaltered. It continues to assert its presence as a large SUV, measuring nearly 4.7 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width. The changes primarily focus on the lighting components, as well as the front and rear bumpers and alloy wheels.

The revamped front end is now more stylish with the connected daytime running lights and body-colored elements on the grille. The bumper design has been completely reimagined and now features LED projector headlights and LED fog lamps. Notably, a functional vent in the bumper contributes to improved aerodynamics.

The side profile remains largely unaltered, with the exception of the fresh alloy wheel design. The base variants (Smart and Pure) are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the mid-spec Adventure model sports 18-inch alloy wheels. In contrast, the top-spec Accomplished and Dark variants feature striking 19-inch alloy wheels.

Observing the rear of the Safari, you'll immediately notice the updated tail light graphics and the redesigned rear bumper.

Color options on the 2023 Tata Safari are as follows:

Interior

Tata Motors has adopted a fresh strategy by creating 'Personas' rather than traditional variants, resulting in each Safari variant getting a distinct look and ambiance. The base-spec Smart/Pure versions feature a modest gray upholstery, while the Adventure variant gets chocolate brown upholstery. On the other hand, the top-spec Accomplished variant showcases a Range Rover-like sophisticated white-gray dual-tone interior combination, while the Dark variant gets an all-black cabin theme.

The dashboard of the Safari has undergone a redesign, appearing slimmer and more upmarket. The accent on the dashboard is now slimmer, and the central AC vents have been widened. Beneath, a gloss black panel accommodates the new touch-panel for climate control and other vehicle functions.

Another notable addition is the 4-spoke steering wheel, which gets a classy design and  premium look thanks to the white-grey two-tone wrapping. The wheel also features an illuminated logo and backlit switches for music/calls and instrument cluster control.

In terms of fit and finish, there is a marked difference, evident in the improved panel alignment and material quality consistency.

Regarding cabin space, there are no noteworthy differences. The wide-opening doors make ingress effortless, although it's advisable to install side steps if elderly passengers frequently use the vehicle. The rear seat space remains spacious as ever, with ample room for a six-footer to sit comfortably behind a six-foot-tall driver.

However, Tata has not incorporated one-touch tumble functionality for the third row. To access the third row in the captain seat version, one can walk through the middle row or recline and slide the second-row seat forward. While the third row has just about enough space for adults, it's best suited for children during extended journeys. Additionally, there isn't much foot room beneath the second-row seats, requiring passengers to extend at least one foot towards the center.

Boot Space

When all three rows of seats are occupied, the available boot space is non-existent, enough only for a couple of backpacks. Folding down the third row of seats, however, opens up a substantial 420 liters of storage space. Sadly, the third row doesn't fold completely flat, and there's a slight incline that can cause luggage to slide. Folding the second row of seats gets you a generous 827 liters of space.

Features

Here’s a quick runthrough of the new features on the Safari

Dual-Zone Climate Control: This system allows individual temperature settings for the driver and co-driver, and it can be adjusted using the physical controls, touchscreen, or voice commands.

Powered Driver's Seat (with Memory): The driver's seat offers a 6-way power adjustment feature, with manual lumbar adjustment, and includes three memory settings for added convenience.

12.3-Inch Touchscreen: The free-floating touchscreen, featuring a sleek bezel, exudes a premium feel. It offers clear and crisp graphics with quick response times. This screen can also be used to access various car functions, including climate control, powered tailgate, and ambient lighting. It supports Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

10.25-Inch Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster provides three distinct views: a single dial view, dual dial view, and digital view. The screen remains legible even in direct sunlight and can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.

10-Speaker JBL Sound System: This sound system delivers excellent clarity and deep bass. It includes 13 sound profiles by AudioWorX, allowing you to select equalizer settings tailored to your musical preferences.

360-Degree Camera: The cameras have good resolution, providing the driver with a clear view. Indicating activates the respective camera, simplifying lane changes and tight maneuvers.

Powered Tailgate: The boot can now be opened electrically through various methods, such as using the switch on the boot, the key fob, a mobile app, or the touchscreen. Additionally, a hands-free operation is possible by kicking under the rear bumper.

In addition to these new features, several existing highlight features including front seat ventilation, a powered co-driver's seat with "Boss mode", rear seat ventilation (available in the 6-seater configuration), a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting have been retained in the 2023 Safari.

Safety

Tata Motors has confirmed that structural enhancements have been incorporated in the new Safari. Standard features include:

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is also on offer with the Adventure+ A, Accomplished+ and Accomplished+ Dark variants. 

Performance

The Tata Safari retains its single 2.0-litre diesel engine without any changes in its tuning, maintaining the same power output of 170PS and torque of 350Nm. This engine is available with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the previous version, you will notice a minor improvement in noise levels inside the cabin.

We’d recommend opting for the automatic version as it makes driving more convenient. The engine's response is adequate for city commuting, and it offers ample power for day-long road trips. Additionally, Tata Motors now provides paddle shifters with the automatic transmission, allowing drivers to manually shift gears if desired.

The Safari maintains its previous drive mode options, including Eco, City, and Sport modes, along with three 'Terrain' modes: Rough, Wet, and Normal.

Ride and Handling

The wheel size has been increased from the previous version’s 18 inches to 19 inches. Tata has fine-tuned the suspension to maintain a comfortable ride and absorb jarring impacts. While you might occasionally sense the road's surface at lower speeds, there's minimal side-to-side rocking on uneven roads. The Safari exudes a sense of confidence and comfort, even when cruising at triple-digit speeds, making family road trips fun.

Tata has also introduced an electric power steering system, which has resulted in improved steering responsiveness. It remains light enough for easy maneuvering in tight urban spaces, including quick u-turns and parking. Steering weight at high speeds is satisfactory too. 

Verdict

The Tata Safari has always been admired for its strong presence, comfort, and roominess. With this upgrade, Tata Motors has made it even more appealing through better design, a more luxurious interior, and improved technology in the infotainment and ADAS.