Tata Safari

I am writing this review after I have driven my Safari Dec 2009 model GX for 30000 kms in 1.5 yrs. I had changed my decision in favour of safari when the bank was about to release the cheque in favour of Scorpio dealer. I changed my decision for two reasons

• Space inside the vehicle

  
  




• Better brand image vs scorpio which is know more as a commercial vehicle and everybody on the highway will stop a scorpio whereas Safari being used primarily by politicians they give a salute and let the vehicle pass.this does matters if you travel in UP & Bihar especially.

  
  

Engine - Was a little concerned with the engine noise initially as I drove a Accent which is petrol and engine is very refined, but as the Kms kept clicking the engine became more and more refined and now after 30000 kms its quite smooth. Infact better than the scorpio driven by my friend. Also the engine is very peppy and responsive.i can zip at high speeds on the highways

Roadgrip, Stability - I generally drive at 100kms plus and on highways I have done up to 140kms/hr. Very stable and good road grip and takes the bumps/potholes with ease. infact once I overtook a car with my two tyres off the road and two on the road at almsot 120km/hr and the car didnt even shake at all.Feels very secure inside

Features - Decent features but I think if loaded with Navigation, sun roof will give a uplift to the overall experience.

Issues- Although I havent faced any issues at all but still no vehicle is perfect and can be made better. So tata should make the folowing changes

1. Engine needs to be more refined(drove a captiva.it feels just like petrol car)

   
   




2. Third row of jump seats is useless. This should be changed to captain seats for kids to sit(like in Sumo Grade).

   
   




3. Braking can be improved. sometimes I get some noise after the brakes heat up

   
   




4. Chiller, sunroof, petrol mileage meter etc can be added to give more premium feel.(these features are already there in Xylo)

   
   

This will improve the cars overall experience and brand image. Its much better than scorpio in which you keep on getting tossed like in a frying pan.

my advise .

if you dont want to spend a fortune on fortuner which has got lot of vibration(the gear lever vibrates like a bus gear lever) or Endeavour which is like a bus.