Tata Safari SUV Spotted Testing – Is It A New Variant?

Tata Motors introduced the second-generation Safari SUV in the last week of February 2021. Ever after its market arrival, the carmaker continues to test the vehicle in the country. Recently, a heavily camouflaged test mule of the new Tata Safari was caught on the camera. It’s likely to be a new variant with slightly tweaked styling. Rumour has it that it could also be the petrol version of the SUV.

We have reported earlier that the Harrier and Safari SUVs will receive a newly-developed 1.6L turbo petrol engine in the coming months. Compared to the MPFI (multi point fuel injection) engines, Tata’s new gasoline motor will be more powerful and efficient. It will be the brand’s first direct-injection engine offering power around 160bhp against 250Nm of torque.

Since the test mule was heavily camouflaged, it’s more likely to be a new variant. Usually, the vehicles which are being tested after their launch won’t wear heavy camouflage. In the case of the new Tata Safari, it’s likely to be covered for hiding the design details of a new variant.

At presently, the new Tata Safari comes in 7 trims – XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ, XZ+ and Adventure Edition. The range-topping XZ+ Adventure and XZA+ Adventure Edition have priced at Rs 20.20 lakh and Rs 21.45 lakh respectively. Prices of the rest variants fall in the range of Rs 14.69 lakh – Rs 21.25 lakh. All aforementioned prices are ex-showroom. Compared to the Harrier, the new Safari is around Rs 1.35 lakh more expensive.

Based on the Omega Arc platform, the 2021 Tata Safari comes with the 2.0L Kryotec turbo diesel engine that can be had with the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearboxes. The motor delivers a claimed power of 170bhp and 350Nm of torque. It’s the same powertrain that does duty in the Harrier.