Similar design updates will also be meted out to Harrier facelift, both due to go on sale by Diwali this year.
In the lead up to the launch of the Safari facelift in October this year, Tata Motors continues testing the updated SUV on our roads. A fresh sighting of a camouflaged test mule gives us the clearest look yet at the design details of the facelifted Safari. The Safari facelift takes design inspiration from the Harrier EV concept that was previewed at Auto Expo earlier this year. A majorly overhauled interior along with a new turbo-petrol engine under the hood is also expected to be on the cards.
- Safari facelift to borrow Harrier EV design cues
- Expected to get new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Prices are likely to be announced around October this year
Tata Safari facelift exterior design
Previous sightings of the Safari facelift test mules have already hinted at a completely redesigned front fascia. It will retain a split LED headlamp set-up, but the upper LED DRL will be a full-width light bar stretching across the bonnet. Meanwhile, the main headlamp cluster in the bumper below is now vertically positioned.
The latest spy images reveal a blacked-out treatment around the headlamp housing and there even seems to be an air vent integrated in the cluster. Not only do the new headlamps look a lot sleeker than the bulbous units on the current Safari, but the blacked-out treatment could give a distinctive dual-tone look to the fascia of the SUV. The redesign has resulted in a completely new bumper, and there’s also an all-new grille with slim horizontal slats.
There aren’t major changes in profile, but the new spy shots also give us a first look at the blacked-out, twin five-spoke alloy wheels. While the rear continues to be heavily camouflaged, the Safari will likely get new, slimmer and connected LED tail-lamps, and a slightly tweaked rear bumper. These design updates will also make it to the ICE-powered Harrier facelift that’s also due later this year.
Tata Safari facelift interior and features
Although the interior of the Safari facelift has not been spied yet, we expect a major overhaul there too. Tata has already introduced the new 10.25-inch touchscreen on the Harrier and Safari with the Red Dark Edition, but we expect a few more changes to the dashboard design as well. Perhaps the new two-spoke steering wheel that was recently seen on the Nexon facelift test mule could also make it to the Safari facelift.
Tata Safari facelift powertrain: could be petrol or EV
The camouflaged test mule was spotted testing in the outskirts of Bangalore with a KA number plate unlike most Tata test mules that come with a MH number plate. This suggests that it was being tested by some component manufacturer which means this could actually be the upcoming petrol powertrain or even the all-electric version that’s due to go on sale in 2024.
The new petrol powertrain is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit good for 170hp and 280Nm of torque, and was previewed with the Curvv ICE concept. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 170hp and 350Nm of torque will continue unchanged, mated to either 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.
Tata Safari facelift production, launch plan
As we recently reported, Tata Motors will start production of the Safari facelift at its Pimpri plant from September 2023, and a market launch could be expected by October 2023, just before Diwali. Upon launch, it will continue its rivalry with the likes of the 7-seat Mahindra XUV700, and the Hyundai Alcazar.
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