Why I bought a Tata Safari ?
I drove a Zen for a year and then decided to try out a bigger car. I bought a Hundai Accent but some how my esteem needs were not addressed by this Korean vehicle. Or maybe I wanted people to turn around and look at my car! So, I sold my Ascent and bought a Lancer SFXi which I drove for more than two years. But, to be honest, I was scared, even a auto rickshaw coming too close made me afraid given the high cost of repairs and paint work. My Lancer was Black magic in color ( I will write a separate review for this sexy speedstar? which is unmatched in its category?) And then I decided to mature into an SUV ? I bought this 1999 Oct? Tata Safari which is a 4 x 4, Turbo charged Diesel and everything I imagined and hoped for.
The Qualis would have been a good choice but it gives the feel of a tourist vehicle while the Scorpio is yet to complete some more time before it qualifies for a educated opinion.I have driven the new model also which comes in a few more extras and you can read on even if you desire to buy a new model.
the look...
At first congratulations to Tata?s for the unique design (no other car is similar in looks to a Safari) for growing up from the match-box design of the Sumo. The rounded finish looks more stylish. Immediately on purchase I drove the car from Andheri to Vashi and from there to Colaba and back. This was just a test drive to feel the car and check out performance. The car is absolutely amazing. OK it’s not a Merc or a Ferrari, but it is contemporary and fresh, steady, comfortable and very economic ? the Indian Pajero as some people calls it. It carries 7 passengers with ease and there is so much room inside.
Powered by a turbo-charged version of the naturally aspirated 1984cc 483DL engine, the Safari signs off the dash to 100kph in a respectable 25.70sec and can cruise at speeds of 120kph given the road. This variant comes with Electric shift-on-the-fly 4WD mechanism.
spend a little for looks...
The only addition I did was Mag wheels, front bumper guard and foot rest on sides, back and wow ! The conversion was fantastic and believe me this expense of 45K made the Safari look brilliant and dazzling even from a distance. You can even add stickers to sides to add that special touch.
It is comfortable to drive for long distances on any roads, 4WD change is smooth as a flick, ( You just turn a dial) and is particularly good on dirt or wet roads as it gives a solid confident feel to the vehicle. The engine is a Turbo charged Diesel and though the pick-up is slow, the Safari cruises extremely well even at speeds of 100 Kph.
The comfort is great. I have driven Ascent, which has space, and a Lancer, which has comfort, but this is a car which has both ? comfort and space for the driver as also for the passengers. The backspace with seats down is enough for a party. Specification is fantastic, Air con, seats, met paint, electric everything etc etc.
Also, the safety part is worth a mention. I don?t think that anything can happen to people inside a Safari even if you hit are hit anything by accident. You will get the feel yourself once you start the engine and switch on this great machine.
The only dis-comfort I found while driving was that the flicking indicators could not be seen on the dashboard, as there was obstruction from the steering wheel. The noise of the air con was also a bit high when the engine was switched off and came thru closed doors and windows.
don’t look for speed...
Only downfall in Safari is it is slow to accelerate (I’m no racer anyway) but the new model is much better. But overall, this car is amazing; it’s a bargain and its very efficient and great looking. It handles great on or off the road. I highly recommend this vehicle for those who love 4x4 and don’t want to spent that much. Even a second hand Safari from a good dealer is a good buy. Give Tata a chance and you will see yourself what great vehicle this is !!
Finally, if you are searching for a Car with Space, Comfort, Safety and low maintenance then your search should end with a Tata Safari !!