Tata has been in Australia for nearly 25 years with relatively long breaks and some success in the market. We've seen several exciting models during this period, including an SUV called Safari.
The Tata Safari was released in 1998, while the Australian version arrived two years later. It was one of the longest-living models of the Indian manufacturer, which ended production in 2019. However, the Australian version wasn't that successful but remained on the market from 2000 to 2004.
The original model was finally discontinued in 2019. After a short break, the company introduced the next generation. The Tata Safari 2021 model year was initially offered in India, and we’re hearing rumours of its arrival in Australia.
The First Generation of Tata Safari
The 1990s in India were a lot about automotive expansion. As a new carmaker, Tata quickly developed a couple of interesting models, mainly focused on utility and off-road performance. The Tata Safari was designed to offer not only these qualities but also luxury and convenience.
The production version was introduced in 1998 in India, while versions for overseas markets were offered soon after. The Tata Safari Australia debut was in 2000, but sad to say, it didn't stay for too long, exiting the Australian market in 2004.
Design
The original Tata Safari came as a genuine body-on-frame SUV. It was based on the X2 platform, with additional upgrades to the chassis, such as a strengthened rear axle. The suspension setup was pretty rugged as well, with a double swinging trapezium and torsion bar.
The rear suspension included a rigid bridge system with five pulling arms and coil springs. It also featured a part-time four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential. The RWD version wasn't available in Australia.
For the brakes, ventilated discs were installed at the front, while the rear end was equipped with a far more conservative technical solution – self-adjusting drums.
The exterior seems typical for the era - a typical boxy SUV shape characterized by a lot of aesthetic solutions that took inspiration from the most prestigious SUVs at the time, such as Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser. The Safari was offered in just one layout, as a five-door mid-size SUV.
Dimensions
The dimensions of this mid-size SUV were typical for the segment at the time. Unlike today's mid-size SUVs, it didn't feature an exceedingly long wheelbase that could compromise off-road potential.
Instead, the distance between the axles is just 2650mm, while the total length is 4655 millimetres. The first-generation Safari is 1810mm wide and 1910mm high, while the ground clearance is 205 millimetres. The Australian version, equipped with a diesel engine, weighs 2040 kg.
Tata Safari Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2650mm
- Length: 4800mm
- Height: 1910mm
- Width: 1810mm
- Ground Clearance: 205mm
- Kerb Weight: 2040kg
- Turning circle: 13.5m
Engine
The original Safari was offered with just one engine option for the Australian market. That was a pretty old 1.9-litre diesel from Peugeot, with a max output of 64kW and 187Nm of torque. The engine came in pair with a 5-speed manual transmission, with four-wheel drive as standard.
With such a modest engine power, acceleration and overall performance were probably the weakest point of this SUV and probably the main reason for the lack of popularity.
In other parts of the world, Tata Safari was available with bigger and more capable engine options.
Tata Safari Engine Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1948cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Max Power: 64kW
- Max Torque: 187Nm
- Fuel tank capacity: 65L
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
The Second Generation of Tata Safari
As mentioned, the first-generation Safari remained in production until 2019. The replacement arrived two years later. The second-generation model looks way more appealing with an all-new design, unibody platform, and lots of modern technologies.
This generation is currently unavailable in Australia, but we believe that it could be offered in this part of the world in the future.
Design
The second generation has brought significant changes. Not only that there is a whole load of new technologies, but there is an entirely different layout as well.
Instead of a full-framed chassis, the new Safari rides on a unibody platform, and it is essentially a crossover.
It rides on the JLR D8 platform (developed by Jaguar Land Rover, which Tata now owns), the same one that underpins models like Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.
Similarities with JLR models are everywhere. Not only mechanics are shared, but even the styling takes a lot of inspiration from the British carmaker. That’s definitely something to like. Another thing we approve of is that the new model also features three rows of seats.
More importantly, there are many similarities under the skin, which significantly impact the ride quality. This particularly refers to the suspension setup, where Safari looks very similar to the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
At the front, things are pretty much the same, as you can find an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar.
The rear end is slightly different and includes a semi-independent twist blade design with a Panhard rod. As a result, the ride is very smooth and comfortable. Disc brakes are on all four wheels.
In terms of size, this is a mid-size crossover, with 2,741mm in wheelbase. The new Tata Safari is 4661mm long, 1894mm wide and 1786mm high.
Engine
Under the bonnet, you will find a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine borrowed from Fiat. That is a pretty familiar unit, commonly known as MultiJet, which offers respectable performances. It is good for about 125kW and 350Nm of torque, enough to ensure good driving dynamics and solid overall performance.
Also, the engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available too.
What’s more, you get a terrain response system from Land Rover, which includes three drive modes in this case. Besides the Normal mode, you may also count on Wet and Rough Road modes.
Is Tata Safari a Luxury Car?
It's hard to give a straight answer to this question. If you compare it with German premium cars, it's definitely not in the same league. However, it can be considered luxurious in many ways, especially if you factor in the Tata Safari 2021 price, which starts at around ₹15.00 Lakh in India (equivalent to approximately 27,500 AUD).
We've already mentioned the Safari's refined suspension setup, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Furthermore, the Tata Safari 2021 interior looks very nice and comes with lots of standard and available features.
Some of the highlights are an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iRA connected car tech, a 9-speaker JBL audio system, a 7.0-inch digital display in the instrument cluster, a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, beige leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof.
Also, there is a decent list of safety and driver-assistance features, including hill-descent control.
Luxurious or not, the new Tata Safari represents excellent value for money, and it would be great to see it available in Australia.
Do you own an old Tata Safari that you want to sell? Or perhaps need replacement parts for it? Register on our website to list an old Tata Safari for sale, or send us a request for a part you need so we can help you find the best deals!
By Nebojsa Grmusa