The Tata Safari, a name that has been synonymous with rugged luxury in the Indian automotive landscape for over two decades, has once again reinvented itself for 2024.
This latest iteration of the iconic SUV pushes the boundaries of what Indian consumers can expect from a homegrown brand, blending cutting-edge technology, superior comfort, and robust performance in a package that’s designed to turn heads and conquer terrains.
Design Evolution: A Bold New Face
The 2024 Tata Safari makes a striking first impression with its redesigned exterior. The front fascia features a more prominent grille with a unique mesh pattern, flanked by sleek LED headlamps that incorporate advanced adaptive lighting technology. The daytime running lights have been reimagined, giving the Safari a distinctive light signature that’s instantly recognizable.
The SUV’s silhouette retains its commanding presence, with strong character lines running along the sides, emphasizing its length and stature.
New alloy wheel designs, available in sizes up to 19 inches on higher trims, not only enhance the vehicle’s stance but also improve its aerodynamic efficiency. At the rear, the Safari sports redesigned LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, creating a sense of width and sophistication.
Interior Comfort: A Leap into Luxury
Step inside the new Safari, and you’re greeted by an interior that rivals premium European offerings. The dashboard layout has been completely revamped, featuring a floating 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with the digital instrument cluster. The use of high-quality materials, including soft-touch plastics, genuine leather, and brushed aluminum accents, elevates the cabin ambiance.
Comfort remains a top priority, with newly designed seats offering improved ergonomics and support. The second-row captain seats in higher variants now feature enhanced recline and Ottoman functionality, providing a truly first-class experience. The third row, often an afterthought in many SUVs, has been given special attention in the Safari, offering decent space and comfort even for adults on short trips.
Technology Suite: Cutting-Edge Connectivity
The 2024 Safari is a technological powerhouse. The aforementioned 12.3-inch infotainment system is powered by Tata’s latest user interface, offering seamless smartphone integration through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also incorporates Tata’s iRA connected car technology, allowing users to access various vehicle functions remotely through a smartphone app.
A 10-speaker JBL sound system delivers an immersive audio experience, while a panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin. The Safari also introduces a head-up display in the top-spec variant, projecting crucial information directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Performance and Powertrain: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2024 Safari continues to offer Tata’s reliable 2.0-liter Kryotec turbocharged diesel engine, now further refined for improved performance and efficiency. This powerplant delivers a robust 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque, providing ample grunt for both city driving and highway cruising.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, the latter featuring paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Tata has also introduced a new terrain response system, offering multiple driving modes (Eco, City, Sport, and Rough Road) that adjust the vehicle’s performance characteristics to suit different conditions.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
One of the most significant upgrades in the 2024 Safari is the introduction of Level 2 ADAS features. This suite includes:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
These features not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue on long journeys, making the Safari one of the most technologically advanced SUVs in its segment.
Safety: Prioritizing Occupant Protection
Safety has always been a cornerstone of Tata’s vehicle design philosophy, and the new Safari takes this commitment to new heights. The SUV is built on a reinforced OMEGA (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced) Architecture, which enhances structural integrity and crash protection.
Standard safety features across all variants include:
Six airbags
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Hold Control
Hill Descent Control
ISOFIX child seat anchors
360-degree camera system
The Safari’s robust build and comprehensive safety suite have earned it a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest vehicles on Indian roads.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Control
The 2024 Safari’s suspension setup has been fine-tuned to offer a balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. The front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension, coupled with frequency selective dampers, ensure that the SUV remains composed over various road surfaces.
The electric power steering has been calibrated to offer more feedback, addressing a common critique of the previous model. Despite its size, the Safari feels surprisingly agile in urban environments, while its highway manners are impeccable, offering stability and confidence at high speeds.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, Tata has made significant strides in improving the Safari’s fuel efficiency. The diesel engine now boasts a claimed efficiency of 16.3 km/l for the manual variant and 14.5 km/l for the automatic, representing a notable improvement over its predecessor.
Additionally, the engine meets BS6 Phase II emission norms, incorporating advanced after-treatment systems to reduce harmful emissions. Tata has also increased the use of recycled and sustainable materials in the Safari’s construction, reflecting a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
Variants and Pricing
The 2024 Tata Safari is offered in multiple variants to cater to different budget and feature requirements:
XE (Base variant)
XM
XT
XZ
XZ+
XZ+ Luxury
Prices range from approximately ₹15.35 lakhs for the base XE variant to ₹25.32 lakhs for the top-spec XZ+ Luxury variant (ex-showroom prices).
This competitive pricing strategy positions the Safari as an attractive option in the premium SUV segment, offering features and capabilities that often match or exceed those of more expensive rivals.
Tata Safari New look : A Worthy Flagship
The 2024 Tata Safari represents a significant leap forward for the Indian automaker, showcasing its ability to produce a world-class SUV that can compete with global brands.
By combining striking design, advanced technology, robust performance, and a strong focus on safety, Tata has created a vehicle that not only lives up to the Safari legacy but also sets new benchmarks in its segment.
While it faces stiff competition from both domestic and international rivals, the new Safari’s blend of features, comfort, and value proposition makes it a compelling choice for SUV buyers.
It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of India’s growing automotive prowess and Tata’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the premium SUV segment.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with increasing focus on electrification and autonomous technologies, the 2024 Safari stands as a testament to Tata’s ability to adapt and innovate.
It’s a vehicle that’s ready for the present while being equipped for the future, promising to carry forward the Safari nameplate with pride and distinction.