The Tata Safari is back, in a new avatar! Tata Motors has announced that it is bringing back its iconic Safari brand with its forthcoming flagship SUV (codenamed Gravitas). It may be recollected that the Tata Safari introduced India to the SUV lifestyle over two decades ago. The Safari will have a Republic Day unveiling. It was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 as the Gravitas. 

Announcing the formal branding of its forthcoming SUV as the ‘Tata Safari’, Shailesh Chandra – President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit (PVBU), Tata Motors, said, “We are proud and elated to re-introduce our flagship SUV – Safari. The Safari, an iconic brand with a strong following, has been the most-sought-after SUV on Indian roads for well over two decades." 

"In its new avatar, the Safari will appeal to the socially active, fun-loving customers who seek out unique experiences and adventure. Its design, performance, versatility, features, and long lasting build quality, reinforce the SUV lifestyle to provide unending pleasure. We are confident that the launch of the Safari will once again re-energise the market, amplifying its cult status.”

The new Safari shares its underpinnings and mechanicals with the five-seat Tata Harrier and will be positioned at the top of the Tata SUV range. The Harrier and Safari share Tata’s OmegaArc platform. This architecture is derived from the renowned D8 platform from Land Rover, which in itself is the gold standard of SUVs worldwide. This adaptive architecture allows for further drivetrain enhancements including all-wheel drive and possibilities of electrification in future.

In order to make space for a third row of seats, Tata has made the new Safari 63mm longer than the Harrier, as well as 80mm taller. However, to provide greater visual distinction between the two, Tata Motors is expected to offer new colour options as well as new wheel designs for the Safari.

As for powertrains, the new Tata Safari will borrow the 170hp, 2.0-litre Kryotec turbo-diesel engine from the Harrier, as well as its six-speed manual and six-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox options.

According to Tata Motors, the new Safari will arrive in showrooms later this month and bookings will begin shortly. Stay tuned for more details.

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