Tata Safari Long Term Review, December 2024 Report

In a world where EVs and hybrids seem to be the norm, driving a big diesel SUV brings a strange sense of nostalgia. That’s not to say that diesel is a thing of the past, though. They are still alive and kicking in some of the segments if not all. One diesel vehicle that’s still soldiering on is the Tata Safari. The fact that it’s diesel-only tells you that there’s still a strong demand for diesel SUVs in the country. We now have one in our long-term fleet, too.

The last time I drove the Safari, I felt it was a bit too crude and didn’t have enough features to woo buyers who are otherwise lured by the Korean duo of Hyundai-Kia or Mahindra. However, the updated Safari has got all the bells and whistles – and it’s also got a fair bit of glamour both inside and out. The Cosmic Gold paint scheme of our test vehicle is proof. Now, I’m not really a fan of over-the-top design elements that many new cars flaunt, but I have to say that the Safari – perhaps because of its size and girth – carries it off in style without looking overly garish. And those chunky 19-inch alloys look cool, too. If there’s one thing that I am not particularly a fan of, it’s the family face that all Tata SUVs have these days. They all look the same to me.

The interior of the Safari is a lovely place to be because it has a rich and premium feel, and there’s also so much SPACE. I particularly needed the latter aspect last month since I was moving houses. We have the top-of-the-line Accomplished+ variant with us that comes with a six-seat layout. Folding the second and third rows opens up a volume of 827 litres, which is the kind of space that anybody who moves houses frequently will tell you is a blessing!

The most impressive aspect of living with the Safari, though, is its engine and gearbox combination. The 2.0-litre unit paired with a six-speed automatic is a marriage made in diesel heaven. Be it the velvety mid-range or seamless transitions, this drivetrain is a reminder of how effortlessly exciting diesel vehicles are. On top of this, the drivetrain is also supremely refined and efficient. Similarly, the ride quality is amazing, and so is the handling. It’s a whole driver’s package, to be honest.

How does it perform as a family SUV? Well, you will come to know about it next month onwards. And that’s because, in the interest of our audience, I was forced to part ways with the Safari, and had to hand over the keys to Kapil – our so-called family man. Let’s see if the Safari can impress him with its versatility.

Also Read: Tata Harrier, Safari Get New ADAS Features and More Colour Options

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