It has been in the news for longer than one can imagine, but Tata is finally launching its 7-seater SUV version of the Harrier, and they’re calling it the Safari. The concept, first revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, was called the Buzzard, and was later given the name ‘Gravitas’. But since it is now set to roll off showroom floors very soon, Tata has renamed it the ‘Safari, bringing back iconic the name from the past. Production of the SUV at the Pune plant is already underway, and the launch isn’t too far off either.
For the final production version, the SUV gets a few subtle tweaks at the front, which includes the grille, and the headlamp surrounds look more prominent now. However, the rest remains the same as what you’ve seen on the Gravitas. And then there the ‘Safari’ badging on the roof rails. The brand hasn’t released images of the cabin yet, but expect it to be more-or-less the same as interior of the Gravitas, and the wheelbase, too will be longer than the Harrier because of the additional third row.
The new Tata cars will be powered by the Harrier’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 168bhp and 350Nm of torque, paired either to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission with power being sent to the front wheels.
Currently, the Safari has only one rival in the MG Hector, but soon enough, Hyundai and Jeep will join the fight with their seven-seater equivalents. Also, grab the latest info on the Tata Altroz, only at autoX.
