The Safari facelift is scheduled to launch around October this year.
Tata Motors will be launching the facelifted Safari around October this year and we have got new spy images that have revealed features and upgrades that will make it to the new model. This comes after the recent launch of the Safari Red Dark Edition which was equipped with ADAS and other safety features.
- Receives 2-spoke steering wheel from the Tata Curvv concept
- Could get an additional screen in the centre console for HVAC controls
- Will get a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine
Tata Safari Facelift: interior
The Safari facelift will get refreshed interiors, which is something that was due on the flagship SUV by Tata Motors. In the series of Spy shots, we can see that the Safari is equipped with the new 2-spoke steering wheel that was seen on the Curvv concept and that was recently spied on the Tata Nexon facelift, which is also due to launch this year. This flat-bottom steering wheel gets a backlit logo, just like the concept that was previewed at this year’s AutoExpo.
A feature that has caught our attention, in particular, is what appears to be a second screen on the centre console. The area was covered with camouflage material on the test mule, so we can assume that it could be controls for the HVAC. Other interior features that are getting upgraded include the gear lever and the electronic parking brake.
Tata Safari Facelift: exterior
On the outside, the Tata Safari will get minor cosmetic changes, like a nip and tuck in the front and rear bumper design. As reported previously, the headlight design is reworked and the rear of the Safari receives connected light treatment with an LED bar connecting the rear taillamps of the SUV. The Safari Facelift will also get a reworked alloy wheel design.
Tata Safari facelift: powertrain
The Tata Safari facelift will get an engine upgrade as well. The new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that was previewed on the Curvv concept produces 170hp and 280Nm and will most likely be the powering the Safari. The diesel engine remains unchanged, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that churns out 170hp and 350Nm. We expect the gearbox options to remain the same as the current Safari on sale, a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox sourced from Hyundai.
Tata Safari facelift: XUV 700 and rivals
The last time we compared these two flagships, the verdict was that while the Safari was a good SUV, the Mahindra XUV 700 offered more value for money with considerably more interior and safety features. The XUV 700 sells considerably more than the Safari every month. However, with the updated features and styling, the Safari could bring the fight to the Mahindra SUV, but you’ll have to wait for our next comparison for that verdict. The Safari also rivals the MG Hector Plus.
Tata Safari facelift: launch and price
The Tata Safari facelift is scheduled to launch around October this year, with production slated to begin in September. The Safari lineup currently starts at Rs 15.64 lakhs and goes up to Rs 21.01 lakh, however, expect the prices to be slightly higher with the additional features.
Also see:
Tata Safari facelift fresh spy shots show new headlamp design, alloy wheels
Updated Tata Harrier, Safari launched with ADAS, larger touchscreen