2023 Tata Safari Review: Is This Tata's Best Flagship Yet?

Tata Motors has pulled out all the stops to revamp its flagship SUV, the Tata Safari. Following the trend of refreshing other SUVs in their lineup, Tata has gone all out in giving the Safari a jaw-dropping makeover. And the result, is nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving enthusiasts and onlookers alike smitten with its all-new look. But, is that enough? We find out.

Exterior

Tata's endeavour to set the Safari apart from the Harrier is immediately noticeable in the 2023 model. They've retained the split headlamp design, but this time, it's positioned vertically and serves the dual purpose of sequential turn indicators. The Safari branding is a delightful touch. The full-length LED light bar, especially when illuminated at night, exudes an undeniable allure. The LED treatment of the DRLs has been refined, giving it a sleek and aggressive appearance.

Similar to the Harrier, the Safari introduces a fresh grille, which appears somewhat like a 3D print from a distance. However, what sets it apart are the exclusive golden inserts, a signature of the Cosmic Gold paint scheme. While the upper section of the vehicle's profile remains largely unchanged, the lower section bears substantial differences.

The Safari maintains its familiar profile, but the introduction of new 19-inch alloy wheels adds a touch of allure to its overall look. At the rear, the design is now more engaging with a broad light bar that seamlessly connects to the new taillamp setup. The welcome function is a thoughtful addition, enhancing the overall user experience.

Tech & Interior

The infusion of modernity doesn't stop at the exterior of the 2023 Tata Safari. The interior has undergone subtle yet notable enhancements while retaining the familiar dashboard layout. However, these updates introduce a touch of sophistication that elevates the overall experience. The curved layout of the dashboard, in particular, exudes a refined and elegant ambience that complements the overall theme.

Stepping inside, you'll notice that the new touchscreen has been borrowed from the Red Dark Edition of the Safari, accompanied by a few additional creature comforts. The climate control system now boasts a touch-based panel with a dual-zone setting, catering to the comfort of front passengers. Meanwhile, at the centre console, the introduction of a new gear shifter with shift-by-wire technology is a noteworthy improvement.

In addition, the rotary knob for selecting drive modes is also new, flanked by dedicated switches for Eco and Sport modes. It's worth noting that the placement of this control array might take a bit of getting used to.

Safety Features

In the realm of safety, the 2023 Tata Safari closely aligns with its Harrier counterpart. In tandem with the robust OMEGARC platform, Tata has fortified this SUV with an extensive array of safety features. These encompass six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill hold control, traction control, rollover mitigation, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and 3-point seat belts equipped with reminders, all as standard offerings. The top-spec Safari gets 7 airbags.

Moreover, you'll find an impressive collection of 11 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions, though this count reduces to 10 if you opt for the manual transmission. It's worth noting that these ADAS features are available from the Adventure A+ persona variant onwards.

As for the all-important safety ratings, that's a bit of a waiting game. We'll be among the first to inform you once the SUV undergoes testing, whether it's through the Global program or Bharat NCAP.

Engine & Transmission

Beneath the hood, the 2023 Tata Safari retains its trusty diesel engine, with no petrol option available as of yet. However, there's a significant enhancement in the form of a shift-by-wire system for the automatic variant, developed in-house by Tata, even though the gear shifter itself is sourced from Hyundai. The key question is, how does this affect the driving experience?

The introduction of shift-by-wire technology has made a palpable difference in driving the Safari. Shifts are now remarkably smoother and nearly seamless, effectively mitigating turbo lag. On the open highway, the gearbox exhibits a longer ratio before initiating a shift, optimizing torque utilization for swift overtaking. This power delivery is distributed evenly, enhancing the driving experience. In urban settings, the Safari performs admirably, thanks to its fluid gear shifts.

While the Safari's diesel engine gets the job done, it might feel somewhat less refined compared to the engines of its competitors, especially in terms of noise. Additionally, the suspension has room for improvement, as smaller road imperfections and potholes can be felt within the cabin. For those residing in areas with less-than-ideal road conditions, this might be a noticeable downside.

Verdict

So, should you consider the new Tata Safari? To put it frankly, if you're not looking to invest in a larger SUV like the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, or Skoda Kodiaq, the answer is a resounding yes!

With its most recent update, Tata has taken a substantial leap forward, although you should be prepared for a higher price tag. Nonetheless, even with the premium pricing, it's likely that the competition will start to feel the pressure, particularly the Mahindra XUV700, given its long waiting periods. The Hyundai Alcazar, on the other hand, appears to be lagging behind in terms of updates.

While the absence of a petrol option might affect the Safari's appeal to some, Tata has certainly entered the fray with a compelling offering. It's shaping up to be a worthy contender in the segment.

Photography By: Prashant Chaudhary