All-new Safari SUV’s design explained by Tata Motors’ Chief Designer Pratap Bose

Tata Safari has been an iconic nameplate in India. The homegrown manufacturer has uploaded a video in which Pratap Bose, Vice President Global Design, Tata Motors explains the design of the SUV. The video has been uploaded on YouTube. The Safari is known for its capability, luxury, ruggedness and purposeful nature. Safari was one of the first luxury SUVs that was first launched in 1998. However, it was discontinued last year due to the BS6 emission norms and the new safety norms.

Because Safari has such a big following, it was a big thing when Tata announced earlier this year that they will be launching the Safari which is previously codenamed as Gravitas. We all have already seen the Gravitas at the Auto Expo and before that, we have seen as Buzzard at the Geneva Motor Show. The fans of Safari had a mixed reaction for the upcoming Safari. While some of them are excited and happy that the Safari will be making its return. Some people are not happy that the upcoming Safari will not have a 4×4 drivetrain. The all-wheel-drive system and the capabilities of the older generation Safari were what made it so iconic. Having said that Tata has mentioned that the upcoming Safari’s architecture does support for future 4×4 drivetrain and even electrification. So, we would just have to wait and watch what Tata decides to do and if they launch a 4×4 system with the 2021 Safari.

Also read: Mahindra Scorpio vs Tata Safari in a classic drag race (Video)

The new Safari is a stretched-up version of the Harrier. It is 63 mm longer and 80 mm taller than the Harrier. The rear overhang of the Safari is longer than the Harrier to accommodate the third-row seats. It is also taller with a stepped-up roof which will help in the headroom of third-row occupants. The wheelbase and the width of the SUV stay the same at 2,741 mm and 1,894 mm. Tata has already released a teaser for the 2021 Safari that showcases the front and says “Sharpened for Sophistication”.

The front design of the SUV is also similar to the Harrier. However, it gets a more premium looking chrome grille that gets tri-arrow inserts in them. The grille seamlessly connects to the LED Daytime Running Lamps. It will continue to get split headlamp design where the LED strip is placed above which also doubles as a turn indicator, whereas the headlamp unit will sit below and will house a single projector unit. The side profile of the SUV will be longer and will get a different set of alloy wheels. At the rear, there will be a slim set of LED tail lamps.

Tata Safari will get the same 2.0-litre Kyrotec diesel engine source from Fiat that is doing duty on the Tata Harrier. The engine will be producing 170 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 350 Nm. It will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. For now, the SUV will be a front-wheel-drive vehicle only. However, we hope that Tata offers a proper all-wheel-drive drivetrain in the future to continue the legacy of the iconic Safari. Once launched the Safari will be the new flagship for Tata Motors and will compete against the likes of Mahindra 2021 XUV500, MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Hyundai Creta 7-seater. The new SUV is all set to launch on 26th January.

Also read: All-new 2021 Mahindra XUV500: What it”ll look like