tata safari 2011 model review

2011 Tata Safari

Although you’ve probably never heard of the Tata Safari, it’s a pretty big seller in other parts of the world. For 2011, there is a new model, although it still appears to be stuck in 1999. It will go on sale in India in the early part of 2011, followed by Europe later in the year.

The new model will pick up where the old one left off, but with more technical updates, a new design, and more attention to fit and finish. This means that the price will rise, but Tata->ke3001 is debating on continuing the production of the previous model, as a low cost variant. Hard to imagine BMW doing that with one of their models isn’t it?

The 2011 Tata Safari SUV will be based on its sibling Aria’s platform which will make the car more rigid and a better handler. The new model will also have lots of space and will be loaded with features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a silver finish on the center console, Climate Control, and much more.

Tata->ke3001 will also use some of the technical know how from Jaguar->ke39 Land Rover->ke46 on the new Safari to help sales in Europe. The motor should be 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel with 140 horsepower.

Hit the jump for the full review .

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• Model: 2011 Tata Safari
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Now that Tata owns Land Rover, we expect a great deal of improvements in the off-road capabilities of the Safari. The current model already comes as standard with limited slip differentials, an automatic hub lock for the front axle, and electronically controlled four wheel drive system, so it should be interesting to see what extra features the new one has for 2011.

The car is expected to be lighter than the outgoing model to make it more fuel efficient. With European markets in mind, the car has been developed to comply by the EuroNCAP safety norms. Safety features include ABS, two air bags, and seat belt warnings.

The new Safari will need to compete with strong players, such as the Ford->ke31 Endeavour and the Mahindra Scorpio. The Ford was designed to be a perfect family car while being great on and off the roads. The motor puts out 141 horses and that's one of the highest in the country. The Scorpio is the favorite among business types, thanks to its great design. The 120 horsepower output matched the foreign made cars at all levels.

It won't be an easy road, but the Safari looks like it should be a big seller for Tata.

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• Tata Safari Facelift Review: New Avatar Of The Flagship SUV

By Ninad Mirajgaonkar

5 mins read

Published on October 15, 2023

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• The new Tata Safari facelift has received major updates inside-out
• The SUV is a lot more feature-packed now and get advanced tech
• The Safari Facelift will be launched in India on October 17, 2023

Twenty-five years is a long time – and if you are an early millennial like me, back in 1998 you were just about in your teenage, and in awe of this sensation called the Tata Safari . Now I am closer to my mid-life crisis and a large, in-your-face SUV is just what the doctor has prescribed, but in the last 25 years, the Safari too has evolved. This child prodigy that we all fell in love with has also come of age. So, I spent a day with the new Safari to figure out how this facelifted version fits the needs of someone looking to buy an SUV, today.

Also Read: Tata Harrier Facelift, Safari Facelift Launch On October 17, 2023

The Safari has moved on from the angry look; that is just the Harrier now. Tata with this facelift has created more distinction between the two SUVs. While the Harrier continues to get horizontal and angular lines, the Safari has more vertical elements. What this has ensured is that instead of looking like a fighter about to enter the ring, the Safari now carries itself with the charm of an army officer! 

Also Read: Tata Harrier Facelift Review

In terms of design updates, this now gets a full-width LED bar with welcome and goodbye animation. While I am not a big fan of this new trend, to be honest, it does look nice on the Safari. The profile is more or less the same, but the new 19-inch alloys are very cool looking and fill up the wheel wells nicely. 

As for the rear, the LED taillights also get a connected pattern, in line with the Safari’s design theme with vertical lines. Having said that, the rear isn’t the most appealing angle to look at the safari; the design makes it look a little smaller than it is. 

Also Read: Tata Harrier Facelift, Safari Facelift Nominated For Bharat NCAP Crash Tests

I like the way the new Safari looks – sophisticated! One of the key reasons for that is also the choice of colours – the Cosmic Gold that I drove is quite unique, I am also keen on looking at the Supernova Copper and Lunar Slate.

At first glance, the inside looks very different from the earlier model. Though the layout is very much the same, to ensure that the SUV feels more premium Tata has played with the styling. The dashboard gets faux wood inlays with a pinstripe pattern, which helps in creating this upmarket image. And I think it looks particularly nice.

Although a bit gimmicky, the new steering, with the illuminated Tata logo, does get its fair share of attention and the infotainment system is a 12.3-inch unit on this top-end Accomplished persona. The instrument cluster is also big, 10.25-inch to be precise, with many customisation options. The Safari also gets a piano black panel for capacitive buttons for AC and other in-car controls, along with a rotary dial with a built-in screen for the terrain modes.

New features on the Safari include a powered tailgate (finally!), a 10-speaker JBL system, 7 airbags, wireless charger dual-zone AC, and rear sunshades. The system also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with JBL modes that allow you to select between different predefined music settings. 

The space in the car remains unchanged. If you intend to use the Safari as a chauffeur-driven car, then the boss mode at the back is handy. Also, the cooled seats at the back are a very valuable feature that not many in the market offer at this point. The third row is for children and has its own storage pockets, air vents and charging points with USB and type-C ports. 

Performance

There is no change to the powertrain of the Safari. It runs on the same 2.0-litre diesel motor that makes 168 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The key updates here are the paddle shifters and the switch to electric power steering, which make driving this relatively large SUV easier.

In city mode, it lacks bottom-end, this though can be quickly addressed by the use of paddle shifters or Sport mode. There are a few tweaks to the suspension as well and the ride is marginally better than before, not that it was ever too bad!

While overall I like the way Safari drives, I am not a big fan of the ADAS for everyday usage. It feels intrusive and the cabin is always ringing with one alert or another, since driving sense in our chaotic cities is abysmal. 

On the highway, though it is a different story, with the adaptive cruise control, expressway driving becomes a lot easier.  

With the ground clearance and the torque, some amount of soft-roading too is easy for the Safari. For those still looking for AWD, I think the wait will continue at least till 2025.

Safety and Variant Details

Six airbags are standard across all five personas of the Safari. The base is the Smart Persona which comes with 17-inch alloys and 6 airbags. The Pure Persona gets a touchscreen infotainment system with 6 speakers, Android Auto, Apple Carplay and a reverse parking camera. 

Also Read: Tata Safari Facelift: Variants Explained

The Adventure Persona above it, gets 18-inch wheels, 360-degree view cameras for parking and optional ADAS which is not updated to offer adaptive cruise control. The top-end Fearless and Dark persona gets 19-inch alloys, a bigger display and a music system along with 7 airbags. 

For the ones looking at the Safari as an answer to their midlife crisis, they will have to look somewhere else. Without the AWD, the Safari is not a toy. This is a serious car for a mature buyer. For someone looking for a 6- and 7-seater family car with solid features, modern tech like ADAS, decent space and acceptable safety, the Tata Safari makes a very compelling case. Prices for the SUV will be announced on October 17, 2023, and I think a premium of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, depending on the variant, would be a reasonable ask. 

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Tata Safari Road Test Review: What you think you want vs what you really want

If you’re looking to buy a 3-row suv that seats up to seven, the new tata safari will do the job brilliantly, but what if you’re looking for pizzazz or personality does the safari really sail that boat in an urban environment.

It doesn’t take much for people on the internet to flail their arms up in the air when something doesn’t go their way. In fact in the world of social media, now is probably a time when it’s the easiest to do so. When Tata Motors announced that a front-wheel-drive, elongated version of the Harrier would carry the iconic Safari badge, people dismissed it before the new Safari even set off. Our Youtube comments were inundated with people praising the Safari Storme and ridiculing the successor. While last time we could only spend a few hours with the SUV, we wanted to spend some more time with it for more comprehensive impressions and if the Safari does what it needs to, and where does it really fall behind.

Is the new Tata Safari a good 3-Row SUV?

For starters, if someone is looking for a 3-row SUV and is seeking occupant space, for its price, there is very little that comes close. Space in the second and third row is ample and you’d be comfortable even for long journeys. It’s the only 3-row vehicle that comes  close  to the Toyota Innova Crysta, but that’s far as it goes. Having said that, passengers in the 6 or 7 seat model will be quite comfortable on long journeys and wouldn’t be complaining about it.

The 6 seat model is especially to my liking. The seats are quite supportive and comfortable in the second row but the model we sampled this time was the 7-seat variant. The middle-row bench doesn’t give you that higher seating position as the captain seats do but are comparatively comfortable.

Getting into the third row isn’t the easiest. But, what makes the third-row seats quite usable is that the elongation of the vehicle, from the Harrier, has opened up a lot of room in the back. Additionally, the seat itself is higher than most other cars in its segment, and good under-thigh support means that you don’t sit with your knees high up. It also results in good knee room in the third row. So unlike other converted SUVs which offer third rows that are usable for short journeys, the Safari will offer more than an acceptable amount of space and comfort.

Is the new Tata Safari well equipped?

While the interior is identical to the Harrier, albeit, with some trim colour changes, the Safari comes adequately equipped. However, it does leave room for improvement in many areas. The touchscreen is quite frankly, slow and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not allowed to use the full width of the ultra-wide thick bezelled screen. That makes it difficult to use while driving. The instrument cluster offers an analogue speedometer, the rest of the information is delivered through a digital colour screen. However, it is quite difficult to read. I feel the whole graphics on the screen require a fresh look with a redesign to simplify.

In a battle of brochures, yes the Safari would lose out against its rivals. But when it comes to usable features, the Safari has that covered. Although some of those useful features do require further refinement.

How does the new Tata Safari drive?

This is where things get controversial for social media argument enthusiasts. The Safari borrows the 2.0-litre turbo diesel from Jeep and the 6-speed automatic transmission from Hyundai . Like the Compass, it has all the power you need, and the “Eco, City, Sport” driving modes do make a difference to the power delivery and mapping. A pair of paddle shifters would have made controlling the gearbox easier as downshifts can be slow on occasion but on its own, it gets the job done. In terms of Fuel Economy , the Safari would return around 12km/l  in city conditions when paired with the automatic gearbox, which is commendable for the size of the vehicle.

The Terrain modes are said to be designed for changing road conditions but power is only sent to the front wheels, and there is no clever torque vectoring diff either. So I’m not entirely sure what they really do. Maybe we need to take the Safari on an off-road test to see if they actually work in real-world applications on loose surface.

Old Safari fanboys, I would have you know that moving away from the old ladder frame design has allowed the new Safari to be dynamically superior in every way on the road. While there is a noticeable roll through corners, the new Safari rides the bumps very well, and even in the third row, the bumps are well cushioned by the suspension and the 235/70 R16 section tyres. Again, where it matters, the Safari seems to get the job done.

Final Verdict – Is the new Tata Safari and good?

If someone is looking for a 3-row SUV, then the Safari is a no brainer. It matches the brief as required and serves the necessary purpose it is built for. Isn’t that what an SUV is all about? Quality and attention to detail are still lacking in some areas and more could surface as time goes on, as we witnessed with the Harrier.

I must concede that the new Safari doesn’t offer that charm that the Safari Dicor or Storme had, which made the Safari the icon it was. But we only have ourselves to blame for it as not many really bought the 4×4 Safari. Everyone to date just loves the idea that it was available with one. 9.9/10 Safaris sold till date were 2-wheel drive only. On the flip side of things, an SUV is something that may have its flaws in most areas, but first and foremost must serve the purpose of its nature. As modern SUVs are required to be better at urban environments, the new Safari serves that purpose very well. So by the modern standards set by the consumers themselves, the new Safari meets the brief to the tee. That said, I would still buy a Toyota Innova Crysta instead.

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Tata Safari Reviews

Tata safari car owner reviews.

• Comfort 5.0
• View all parameters
• Sk Sanath kumar 6 Month ago 4.4 The car offers competitive mileage for an SUV of its size and class. Its diesel engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for both city driving and long-distance travel. Read more Likes (19)
• RD Ramkrishna Dutta 6 Month ago 4.4 The car is a capable and reliable performer on the road. Its powerful engines, responsive handling, and decent fuel efficiency make it a good choice for those looking for a mid-size SUV. Read more Likes (4)
• PJ P JAYAKUMAR 7 Month ago 4.4 The higher variants include safety features like curtain airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold control, and hill descent control. Read more Likes (6)
• VA Vilas Anchalkar 7 Month ago 4.4 It is a mid-size SUV that offers a good balance of features, space, and performance at a competitive price point. Read more Likes (3)
• VK Vinod Kumar Deshpande 7 Month ago 4.4 It is equipped with modern features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control and many more. Read more Likes (3)
• LJ Louis Joseph 7 Month ago 4.4 Its steering is responsive and offers good feedback, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces. It also comes with various driving modes, such as Eco, City, and Sport, which allow the driver to adjust the vehicle's dynamics according to their preference. Read more Likes (2)
• BS Bhoop Singh 7 Month ago 4.4 Mesh design surrounds as well as a new mild bar that visually connects the slightly tweaked headlamps. Front and rear bumpers get edgier styling. Normal construct fine is top-notch, noticeable component of the interior is that the centre console. Read more Likes (2)
• AK ASHu Kumar 7 Month ago 4.4 With a 12.3 -inch touchscreen media system which is much familiar. Even adjusting the climate control requires a concerted effort to negotiate the infotainment system. A built-in dash camera which can be quite a useful tool. Read more Like
• A Anonymous 8 Month ago 4.7 Good.comfort and safe. Head lamp should be led.360 degree camera is missing in 2022 top model 6 seater.i purchased in the month of May 2023. Overall performance is good.can the company changed the head lamp with minimum cost If yes , then I wish to convert the head lamp to led. Read more Like
• SS SELIm Sk 8 Month ago 4.4 Appealing design with modern updates, a host of features for convenience and entertainment, improved comfort levels for all occupants, commendable performance capabilities, and advanced safety features to ensure peace of mind on the road. Read more Likes (2)

Expert Verdict

The 2023 Tata Safari Facelift is a compelling mid-size SUV that impresses with its stylish design, extensive feature set, top-notch safety credentials, and robust engine that delivers a powerful performance. Tata Motors has taken a step forward with this facelift, offering a vehicle that combines modernity, practicality, and safety, making it a worthy contender in the competitive SUV market.

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2021 Tata Safari Review - 12 Pros & 12 Cons

Tata Safari Pros:

• The iconic brand “Safari” is back! We agree with using the legendary nameplate for this car
• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
• Extra 3rd row of seats brings lots more practicality & utility
• Superb captain chairs available as an option for the middle row (top variant only)
• Extras over the Harrier include rear disc brakes, TPMS, e-parking brake, auto-hold, boss mode…
• Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
• 168 BHP 2.0L diesel offers good driveability and a punchy mid-range
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• Sufficient ground clearance + terrain response system for rough and wet roads
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, rest break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

Tata Safari Cons:

• Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking / u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
• 3rd row access is too difficult in the captain seat variant
• Negligible boot space with all the seats up - a paltry 73 liters
• Safari AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Our test car had a problem too!
• Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12-months is the norm today)
• Diesel engine does get loud above 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
• Although improved, the Safari's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• By 2021 standards, we’d expect wireless charging + front / 360 camera + ventilated seats
• We don’t agree with the excessive chrome (outside), impractical white interiors & 18” rims (firmer ride)

Read Team-BHP's detailed Tata Safari Review

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Tata Safari

The Safari combines a bold, stylish design with advanced technology and connectivity features. The interior feels more upscale due to the higher quality of materials used. The responsive engine is paired with a smooth gearbox, while the ride and handling are best-in-class.

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Tata Safari Price

Tata Safari price for the base model starts at Rs. 16.19 Lakh and the top model price goes upto Rs. 27.34 Lakh (Avg. ex-showroom). Safari price for 29 variants is listed below.

Tata Safari Car Specifications

Tata safari summary.

Tata Safari price ranges between Rs. 16.19 Lakh - Rs. 27.34 Lakh depending on the variant selected.

When was the Tata Safari facelift launched in India?

The Tata Safari facelift was launched in India on 17 October, 2023.

What variants does the Tata Safari facelift get?

The updated Tata Safari facelift is offered in 10 variants, namely, Smart (O), Pure (O), Adventure, Adventure+, Adventure+ Dark, Accomplished, Accomplished Dark, Accomplished+ Dark, Adventure+ A, and Accomplished+.

What features are available in the Tata Safari facelift?

The updated Safari gets a new close-patterned grille with bronze-coloured vertical slats, LED bar stretching across the bonnet with a welcome function, new pair of LED headlamps housed on the front bumpers, and a new exterior hue. At the rear, it sports a connected LED taillamp setup with a sequential function, rear wiper with a washer, and an LED strip running across the width of the tailgate with a goodbye function.

On the equipment front, the flagship SUV comes loaded with a large touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless mobile connectivity, digital instrument cluster with a new interface, ambient lighting, and a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo. Along with this, it also continues to get features like a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, air purifier, and an ADAS safety suite.

What are the engine, performance, and specifications of the Tata Safari facelift?

At its heart, the Safari facelift is powered by a BS6 Phase 2-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine that is tuned to produce 168bhp and 350Nm of torque. This motor comes paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed torque converter sending power to the front wheels.

Is the Tata Safari facelift a safe car?

The Tata Safari facelift has achieved a five-star safety rating in GNCAP crash test.

What are the rivals to the Tata Safari facelift?

The Safari facelift competes against the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, Toyota Innova Hycross, Toyota Innova Crysta, and the Mahindra Scorpio-N.

Last updated on 17 October, 2023

How is the Tata Safari car?

• The Global NCAP has given the Tata Safari five stars for its safety.
• Looks like a concept car and has a more modern stance than earlier.
• The interior design of the Safari has been heavily revamped.
• A long list of new-age features is available in the latest Safari.
• Its third row can seat adults in reasonable comfort.
• Touchscreen could do with haptic feedback for optimised usage.
• The ADAS functions are restricted to certain variants. 
• The Safari does not have an AWD version on offer.

Tata Safari 2024 Verdict

The new Safari targets a wider audience. Tata Motors has stepped up the game by offering a feature-laden modern cabin with a sharply revised macho appearance. These, combined with the spacious cabin and an irresistible safety net, make the Safari hard to ignore.

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Tata safari 2024 brochure, tata safari colours.

Tata Safari 2024 is available/sold in the following colours in India.

Tata Safari Mileage

Tata Safari mileage claimed by ARAI is 14.5 to 16.3 kmpl.

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Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari comparison

The Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari have been among the newsmakers of 2021. We bring the two flagship SUVs together for one big fight.

Published on Dec 10, 2021 08:00:00 AM

1,33,859 Views

With all seats up, both SUVs offer very limited luggage space.

The Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700 are easily two of the most talked about new SUVs in India at the moment. Being the flagship models of India’s very own automotive brands, there’s a nationwide interest in knowing what they’re like, but there’s more to the mania. Big in size, tough in build, and versatile with three rows of seating, the Safari and XUV700 fit the image Indian buyers have of ‘proper’ SUVs, an image, perhaps, subconsciously cemented by none other than the original home-grown heroes, the Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio from two decades ago. Sure, the new Safari and XUV700 are far removed in their monocoque construction and front-wheel-drive layouts, but the fundamental SUV-ness is very much there.

Of course, a lot of the chatter around these two is centred around which one’s better. And that’s where we come in. We’ll be blocking out the noise to give you an objective analysis of these cut-throat rivals. As ever, we’ll judge the contenders on a wide variety of parameters to pick one definitive winner.

Standing tall

Measuring over 4.6m long, the XUV700 and Safari are a full size larger than the crop of midsize SUVs better known as the ‘Creta class’. A spec check will reveal that there’s mere millimetres between the XUV and Safari in length, width and height, but you sure won’t confuse one for the other.

To my eyes, the XUV700 is handsome in its basic design, but styling is overdone at places. The headlights with their comma-like LED DRL extensions, for instance, are distinctive but too jazzy. Simpler looking tail-lamps too would have done the job just as well. But to a typical buyer, the XUV does wow with its upmarket looks and details like the flush-fitting door handles that, on fully loaded versions, automatically pop out on unlocking.

Parked alongside an XUV700, the Safari comes across as more outdoorsy in look. And while no larger than the Mahindra, it’s the Tata which comes across as more rugged. The chunky wheel arches and high bonnet sure help with this impression. And while that split headlamp set-up is shared with the 5-seat Harrier, the Safari’s stepped roof, roof rails and upright tail (inspired by the original Safari) really help it stand out.

Cabin pressure

Getting into a Tata Safari requires a bit of a step up, but once inside, you’ll like what you see. The dashboard with that thick metal-look band running its width is stylish, and the soft touch material on the dash top, among other elements, also conveys quality. Drivers will also like their commanding view out and the feeling of being in something big and tough. But as nice as the Safari’s interior is, the XUV’s is in a different plane.

It starts with the welcome gesture (on AX7 Luxury variants) that has the driver’s seat slide back for easier ingress and egress, which is something you’d typically get in a car of twice the price. The XUV’s front seats themselves are more accommodating than the ones in the Safari (there’s too much side bolstering), and then there’s the general look and feel of things. Material quality, for one, is a step up, with the Mahindra being more generous in its use of padded materials on the dash and doors, while smaller details like gloss plastics for the door window switches only enhance the premium experience inside. That said, the piano black surfaces aren’t well finished and look a bit tacky. Of course, the major talking point inside the XUV700 are the dual 10.25-inch displays for the dials and infotainment unit system. The high-res and vibrant screens give the XUV’s cabin a very tech-heavy vibe. In comparison, the Tata’s part-digital dials and fuzzy 8.8-inch touchscreen arrangement looks outdated.

And that’s the thing. Mahindra’s gone to such lengths to load the XUV700 that it makes the otherwise well-equipped Safari come across as relatively basic. In addition to all that’s been mentioned already, features exclusive to the XUV700 (pictured here in the range-topping AX7 Luxury Pack guise) include a 360-degree camera (it’s crisp, but a bit laggy), blind view monitor (it appears on the dials on activating an indicator) and dual-zone climate control. The XUV700 also has the edge with a slightly larger panoramic sunroof. Curiously, though, an auto dimming rear view mirror is not available on any version of the XUV. Of the other things, wireless phone charging and wireless Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay are features you’d find on both, though it’s worth highlighting that these are recent additions on the Tata. Safaris in limited-run Gold Edition form also get ventilation for the front seats (and rear seats on 6-seat versions) and it’s expected that these features will be rolled out onto the standard range in the days to come. Both SUVs get good sound systems.

The XUV’s 12-speaker Sony 3D set-up does offer more fine-tuning and variation while the Safari’s nine-speaker JBL system is richer in bass.

In terms of safety equipment, both models get ABS and electronic stability control, though the XUV has the upper hand with seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee) to the Safari’s count of six airbags. That the XUV’s curtain airbags extend all the way to the third row is reassuring to know too. While both models comply with latest Indian safety norms, only the XUV700 has a Global NCAP rating too – 5 stars on adult occupant protection and 4 stars on child safety. Where the XUV700 blows the Safari away is in the Active Safety department.

The XUV has the huge distinction of being the only one with camera and radar-based ADAS or advanced driver assistance systems. Over the few days of testing, we found features like adaptive cruise control, traffic assist (that automatically accelerates and brakes in stop-go traffic) and auto high beam assist (it switches to low beam on detecting oncoming vehicles) calibrated well for average Indian conditions. Thankfully, the forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking didn’t come into play at any point. However, the lane keep assist that steers the vehicle to the centre of a lane was often thrown off by our poorly marked roads and was the one ADAS feature we kept off.

Comfort plus

Before we talk second- and third-row comfort, it’s essential to bring in the different seat arrangements these SUVs can be had with.

Lower trims of the XUV700 are offered in a 5-seat format, with a bench in the middle row. Higher-spec 7-seat versions add in a pair of seats as the third row. The Tata Safari, on the other hand, gets a third row as standard, but you can opt for a pair of captain’s chairs or a 3-seat bench for the middle row.

The XUV700’s middle-row bench scores well on comfort. Space is aplenty, the seat is well cushioned, there’s a good amount of support and the 60:40 split seats offer plenty of recline too. The flat floor makes life better for a middle-seat passenger too, and it only helps that the XUV also has the slight advantage in shoulder room. Also, boss mode lends the option to move the front passenger seat forward at the pull of a lever, to free up additional legroom for the middle row. 

You do get more flexibility in a Safari. Boss mode aside, there’s the option to move the middle row seats fore and aft to balance legroom for the last row of passengers, and bench seat-equipped versions also feature ample recline. Were we speccing our Safari, we’d opt for the 7-seat configuration with the bench middle row. The 6-seater might be designed for the chauffeur-driven, but its captain’s chairs aren’t as large or comfy as they should have been. Irrespective of the version you opt for though, you’ll appreciate the stadium seating and the great view out the Safari gets you. We also found the Safari’s air-con vents, which sit on the B-pillar, more effective at channelling cool air than the XUV’s second-row vents that are positioned lower down at the rear centre console. Just wish Tata could also find a better position for the rear USB slots that are positioned low and out of sight.

Back to back

Reaching the third row is tricky business in both SUVs, with access via the rear door. The 7-seat versions of both models get slick single touch tumble and fold mechanisms for the kerb side middle row seats. Sadly, the resulting openings on both models aren’t all that large and adults, especially, will have to contort their way in. Access to the back is (slightly) more convenient on 6-seat Safaris, thanks to the option of walking in via the narrow passage between the middle-row captain’s chairs.

At the very back, you or your passengers will be happier in the Safari. It’s not perfect, but the Tata has the comfier seating position, offers that crucial bit more headroom and kneeroom, and the option to slide the middle-row seats also means you can free up space for a large adult, if just for a short stint. The high-set air-con vents also count for a lot and Tata has thoughtfully added in two USB charging sockets at the very back too.

The XUV’s third-row experience isn’t quite as nice. The knees-up seating position, limited headroom and foot space relegate the seats for occasional usage only. The XUV gets third-row air-con vents and blower controls like the Safari but there’s only a 12V socket to juice up your phone with.

With all seats up, the XUV offers just about enough space to store a few soft bags behind the rearmost seats. In the Safari, there’s even lesser room. Both models do give the option to fold the split third-row seats flat, and this frees up a lot of space. Again, it’s the XUV that offers more room for luggage, thanks to its wider bed.

When it is time to load luggage, you’ll note it’s the Safari’s heavy metal tail gate that requires quite a bit of effort to open. The XUV’s plastic composite tail gate is lighter and more convenient to open/close. But how easy will it be to repair in the event of a rear collision?

Powering up

The Tata Safari’s engine and gearbox line-up is pretty straightforward. There’s a sole 2.0-litre diesel engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto transmission. The XUV’s powertrain matrix is a lot more complex. There’s the choice of a 2.0 petrol engine, with manual and auto gearbox options; there’s also a 2.2 diesel in two states of tune, with the higher powered version further offered with manual and automatic gearboxes; and you can even have the diesel- auto with all-wheel drive. Phew! For this comparo, we’ve taken the popular diesel-auto versions of both, with the test XUV in Safari-like front-wheel-drive avatar.

You’ll like how the Safari delivers its power. The Fiat-sourced 170hp and 350Nm, 2.0 diesel engine actually feels stronger than the numbers suggest, and there’s enough pulling power even when travelling with a full house. Sport mode adds a spring in the Safari’s step and what’s nice is that the Hyundai-sourced 6-speed gearbox is well in tune with the characteristics of the engine. Gearshifts are smooth and timely, though there is a bit of a delay at the gearbox when you suddenly mash down on the accelerator. Manual inputs at the gear lever are well catered to, however. What isn’t all that nice is the engine’s refinement. It’s audible at idle and sounds grumbly when building speed.

Where the Safari’s powertrain is good, the XUV700’s is great and quite frankly in a different league. The Mahindra’s 2.2 diesel engine not only has the displacement advantage, but its 185hp and 450Nm make it a whole lot more powerful too. And you can feel the added power. The XUV feels light on its feet and peppy, in a way you just wouldn’t expect an SUV in this category to be. The impression is backed by the performance numbers. The XUV is significantly quicker in kickdown acceleration (see table) and, if only for theoretical interest, is faster from a standstill to 100kph too (with a time of 10.1sec to the Safari’s 12sec best figure).

Standard Zip mode is more than adequate for most scenarios, though you’ll find yourself switching to Zap and Zoom driving modes that give access to all of the engine’s power. The 6-speed auto also goes about its business with great smoothness and you’ll like how on the ball it is, ready with a quick gearshift in Zoom mode.

Even manual gearshifts via the gear lever are slick. The XUV’s diesel unit does sound gravelly when you’re starting out, but engine refinement on the whole is much better than the Safari’s. Also if it’s ultimate refinement you desire, you’d, perhaps, be better served by the XUV700 petrol.

Twist and turn

It’s in the area of ride and handling that the XUV truly distances itself from the Safari. For starters, the XUV’s electric power steering is really well judged. It’s light and easy to twirl at low speeds (helping the XUV feel smaller than it is) and weighs up adequately and remains linear when you go faster. The drive modes add more weight, but the difference in feel is limited at best. It’s not intended to be a corner carver, but you’ll be more than satisfied by the poise with which the XUV changes direction.

An all-independent suspension with sophisticated frequency selective dampers have been employed on the Mahindra and have resulted in a very un-Mahindra dynamic experience, especially if the old XUV500 is your point of reference. The XUV700 also does a great job of smoothening out surface imperfections, particularly at low speeds.

In the same city settings, you’ll find the Safari’s low-speed ride a bit jittery, the steering feels heavy at parking speeds and there’s a general awareness that you’re piloting something large. The Safari experience gets better as you pick up the pace. There’s a confident heft with which the Tata cruises, and you’ll particularly appreciate how unfazed it feels over broken patches of road taken at high speeds. However, the Tata’s hydraulic steering is the weak link in the experience. There’s kickback on bad roads, torque steer under hard acceleration and an inconsistency that takes away some confidence at high speeds.

It’s when the going gets tough that the Safari feels its best. On mild trails, you’ll find yourself taking more liberties in the Tata that feels built to take a beating. The Tata is built on a Land Rover-derived platform and that inherent toughness comes through. Dedicated terrain modes are also part of the package on the Tata. The XUV isn’t a softie, either. It’s tough in its own right and will do all that the Safari can, but you’ll find yourself going easier in the Mahindra. The XUV does have the critical advantage with optional all-wheel drive, though.

Both models feature front and rear disc brakes but both have their quirks in panic braking scenarios. Where the Safari’s pedal feels mushy, the XUV exhibits considerable dive in hard stops.

Question of the hour

So now that you know what they’re like, time to bring in prices. The Mahindra XUV700 diesel-auto in AX7 Luxury trim has a price tag of Rs 20.89 lakh, while the Tata Safari XZA+ is on sale for Rs 20.79 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

Factor in what they cost and see what both get you for similar money and it’s a convincing win for the XUV700. Sure, the Safari exudes toughness and has that roomier third row, but in all other areas it plays second fiddle to the game-changing new XUV. The Mahindra is plusher inside, is loaded with tech and features, has the stronger engine, is easier as well as more entertaining to drive and generally feels like a more sophisticated package.

Mahindra really has hit it out of the park with the XUV700, and the 75,000+ strong order bank is also telling that buyers like what they see.

Which of these flagship SUVs would you buy? Let us know in the comments below.

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Personal details, chanakya gupta - 911 days ago.

XUV700 for me any day of the week

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