Tata Safari to retain flagship standing with premium upgrades and a possible 4X4 revival. Check particulars

First launched in 1998, the Safari has persistently been Tata’s premium flagship offering. Whereas the pre-2021 iterations of the SUV have been acknowledged for his or her rugged enchantment alongside premium choices, the post-2021 fashions have taken a further comfort-oriented, premium technique.

Srivatsa outlined that the Safari’s id is a stability between ruggedness and premium enchantment. He acknowledged that the 2021 iteration leaned further in course of premium comfort, making the SUV further day-to-day usable whereas retaining its rugged character—albeit dialed all the best way all the way down to align with evolving market preferences.

Sooner than 2021, the Safari was constructed on a ladder-frame chassis, which naturally enhanced its off-road capabilities. Nonetheless, with the 2021 model, Tata Motors transitioned to the OMEGA construction, a by-product of Land Rover’s D8 platform. This shift mirrored Land Rover’s private transition from ladder-frame to monocoque chassis all through most of its lineup. Srivatsa mentioned that this switch allowed Tata to strike a stability between effectivity, design, and premium choices.

He further outlined that market evaluation indicated a shift in Indian shopper preferences, with further shoppers selecting longer freeway journeys. With India’s shortly bettering freeway infrastructure and the rising number of intercity freeway journeys, the monocoque chassis supplied the becoming stability of comfort and splendid for up to date shoppers.

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Submit-2021, the Safari has gained essential traction amongst high-end prospects, who now recognise it as a premium family SUV. Srivatsa well-known that the demand for the Safari stays sturdy, with shoppers eager to pay a premium. He mentioned, “We promote at a premium over the opponents as properly. That clearly indicators that Safari nonetheless maintains its flagship image.”

Nonetheless, the shift to a further premium technique obtained right here on the worth of 1 amongst Safari’s most iconic choices—4X4 performance. Srivatsa acknowledged that whereas Tata Motors was a pioneer in bringing 4X4 performance to India, the issue now might be to reintroduce it in a up to date and associated technique.

Hinting on the alternative of a Safari EV, he recognized that Tata Motors has already showcased the best way it will probably ship once more 4X4 performance with the Harrier EV. He further mentioned that if market demand aligns, Tata will switch in that course whereas guaranteeing that the luxury and flagship essence of the Safari stays uncompromised.

Specific editions ship exclusivity challenge to the Safari

With the 2021 iteration, Tata Motors not solely transitioned the Safari to a monocoque chassis however moreover launched plenty of restricted and explicit editions. The reality is, it was the Safari that kickstarted the event of restricted editions all through the Tata Motors lineup, beginning with the Kaziranga model in 2021.

Srivatsa emphasised that the Safari mannequin symbolises upward mobility. It has on a regular basis carried out a twin place—delivering effectivity whereas moreover offering standing to prospects. With the introduction of restricted editions, Tata Motors has aimed to amplify these attributes. “These are the principles of Safari that we try and highlight in our quite a few restricted editions, and that’s the course we’ll proceed ultimately,” he outlined.

These days, Tata Motors launched the Safari Stealth Model, marking the first time the company has restricted the number of gadgets produced—merely 2,700—to rejoice 27 years of the Safari mannequin. The Stealth Model is priced at ₹25.75 lakh for the handbook seven-seater mannequin and ₹27.25 lakh for the automated six-seater variant. Notably, the top-end variant of the Stealth Model is priced much like the Darkish Model’s excessive model. Curiously, the Darkish Model contributes to 30 per cent of Safari’s full product sales.

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Srivatsa highlighted that one in every of many key causes for limiting the Stealth Model’s manufacturing is its distinctive matte paint finish, which is extraordinarily expensive and by no means commercially viable for large-scale manufacturing. Furthermore, capping it at 2,700 gadgets ensures that the model stays unusual, enhancing its exclusivity. “Quite a few years down the highway, this will grow to be a collector’s merchandise, creating a strong sense of enjoyment in possession,” he outlined.

Tata Safari for the worldwide market

Since its introduction in 1998, the Tata Safari has remained a most popular model, not merely in India however moreover in worldwide markets. The first-generation Safari was exported to plenty of nations in Europe, along with the UK, whereas the Tata Safari Storme, launched in 2010, was shipped to 12 nations worldwide.

Nonetheless, with the launch of the 2021 model, Safari’s worldwide footprint shrank to just one market—Nepal. Srivatsa outlined that that’s primarily due to the Safari being obtainable solely with a diesel powertrain, as diesel vehicles have restricted enchantment globally, notably in right-hand-drive markets identical to the UK.

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Curiously, Tata Motors is now planning to introduce the Safari with its in-house developed petrol powertrain. Srivatsa hinted that this switch would possibly help Safari regain its presence in worldwide markets. He mentioned, “Safari with gasoline is definitely an outstanding different for us throughout the export market.”

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First Revealed Date: 06 Mar 2025, 17:19 PM IST