Inside, there is a host of new equipment to accentuate the 2024 Tata Safari AT’s modern positioning. The new four-spoke, dual-tone steering wheel has a raised panel with an illuminated logo. It’s not the most ergonomic but it is indeed an eye-catching element. There is a neat glow in the cabin thanks to mood-lighting, not just in the dash and panels but also in the sunroof surround. The automatic dual-zone climate control is powerful and works fast. The large 10.25-inch driver information display and even larger 12.3-inch wide centre touchscreen form the digital cockpit which look right in place here in the new Tata Safari cabin. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and packs many more goodies. The centre unit has a very useful 360° view feature — in both 2D and 3D. The Safari also packs premium JBL audio with an 8.1 speaker set-up and sound modes that emulate environments and enhance the audio experience—similar to Volvo Cars’ “Concert Hall” setting for the premium audio in the XC90 luxury SUV. Tata Motors surely have aimed high.
The seats front and rear are quite comfortable. Even the second row has individual captain seats in this “persona” of the car. These four seats feature three levels of ventilation. The rear doors also get roll-up sunblinds for the windows. The 2024 Tata Safari also offers a third row of two 50:50 folding seats. These help with versatility and enhance boot volume as needed. Tata Motors haven’t disclosed the boot volume with the third row up, but do mention a volume of as much as 420 litres with the third row folded down and second row up, with as much as 827 litres with the second row folded down as well. These values are measures with the plane parallel to the main load floor and tangential to the upper edge of the second and first seat-backs, respectively. There is also a power tail-gate with level adjustment. Nice addition, that.
Back at the front, a push of the keyless start button bring the 2024 Tata Safari to life. The info-cluster lights up like a Christmas tree and then calms its bits as the engine settles into an idle. The gear-lever is a shift-by-wire unit and is a little fidgety; may take some getting used to. The “P” button also activates the power parking brake, interestingly.
On the move, the digital info-display has a neat animated rev-counter. There are drive modes which may be cycled through using a cool rotary selector with a display built in. These include Normal, Wet and Rough modes, apart from an additional button on either side for Economy and Sport modes. The acceleration is adequate and the Tata Safari can hustle if needed. However, the weight is telling and the set-up isn’t particular fond of any changes of direction. The steering system, although present, feels vaguely disconnected. Overall, the ride quality is fine but I would appreciate a little more reassuring feel to the package.
Coming to the aids now, which have been reinforced significantly. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite has seen some major additions including blind spot warning, lane-change monitors, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go for up to three seconds, and autonomous emergency braking, among several other assistance systems. There are many benefits of this high spec variant persona, some of which include a centre armrest with cooling, wireless charging, and a choice of USB ports for enhanced connectivity.
Overall, the 2024 Tata Safari truly a commendable attempt at trying to be a modern and premium offering. Tata Motors will surely price it rather competitively, considering its primary rivals are either below or above the bracket it has sat in thus far. Either way, what matters to the segment of buyers will be the bold styling and elements that make it a looker. And going by the reactions of all and sundry on the road who looked like they wanted to reclaim their lives, its already popular stand in the market looks set to be enhanced further.
Need to Know – 2024 Tata Safari Accomplished+ A
Price: Rs 26 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 1,956 cc, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 170 hp @ 3,750 rpm
Max Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, twist blade and Panhard rod rear
Weight: 1,850 kg (estimated)
