Tata Motors launches Safari XMS and XMAS SUV variants for festive season

Tata Motors has just launched two new variants of their range topping Safari SUV. Called XMS and XMAS, the new trims are similar to those on the Tata Harrier. While the XMS trim of the Tata Safari is priced at Rs. 17.96 lakh, ex-showroom, the XMAS trim is priced at Rs. 19.26 lakh. Bookings for both new Safari trims are open at all Tata dealerships in India, and deliveries are expected to commence soon. Recently, Tata Motors also launched the JET edition of the Safari.

Key features of the XMS and XMAS trims

Panoramic sunroof
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Reverse parking camera
Rain-sensing wipers
Automatic headlamps
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Electrically foldable wing mirrors

As for mechanicals, both the trims feature the same 2 liter Fiat Multijet turbocharged diesel engine that makes 168 Bhp of peak power and 350 Nm of peak torque. While the XMS trim uses a 6 speed manual gearbox to drive its front wheels, the XMAS trims gets a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Tata Safari is a 7 seat SUV based on the OMEGA ARC platform (derived from Land Rover’s LS500 platform and adapted to the Indian market’s requirements). The Safari competes with the likes of the Mahindra XUV700, the recently launched Mahindra Scorpio-N, the MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar.

The SUV is known for its sturdy build and imposing looks. The Safari is in its third generation in India, and for the first time has ditched the body-on-ladder frame route for a more conventional monocoque body and a front wheel drive layout. All wheel drive is not offered even as an option. The previous generations of the Tata Safari used to come with a rear wheel drive layout and a ladder frame body as standard, and also used to offer a four wheel drive transfer case on the top-trims.

Also read: India”s first Mahindra XUV700 with 22-inch alloy wheels

The future could be electric!

Tata Motors is working on an electric powertrain for the Harrier SUV, which is essentially the Safari’s sibling in terms of platform and mechanicals. The Harrier Electric SUV is slated for a 2023 launch. The same powertrain could be offered on the Tata Safari as well. Tata Motors hasn’t confirmed anything officially though. Later this week, Tata Motors will launch the Tiago Electric hatchback, and this will be followed up by the electric version of the Punch micro SUV sometime next year. The upcoming Auto Expo of 2023 should throw light on Tata Motors plans for electrification of its passenger car range.

Petrol engine on the backburner

Tata Motors was said to be developing a 1.6 liter-4 cylinder turbo petrol engine that was supposed to power both the Harrier and Safari SUVs. The automaker is said to have put the petrol engine on the backburner and is instead focusing on electric powertrains. So, for the time being, both the Harrier and Safari will motor on with the Fiat Multijet diesel engine.

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