I live in the middle east and have the pleasure of driving some top class SUV’s. When focusing on our Indian built SUV’s my personal opinion is that Tata Safari is the best. She looks quite good and with the kind of options that it is loaded in the top of the range is very high as per Indian standards.
2 areas where this Indian pride needs some attention is 1) The pick-up, which needs some more torque 2) The third row seats need to be front facing.
The engine I personally feel is under powered for the kid of chassis and body it drives. This vehicle by no means is a vehicle for the masses. There is a select group of customers for it. These folks will not mind the mileage per liter issue, but will definitely want the power when required. Therefore to sum it up the Tata Safari(petrol version VXi) should have a V6 3 lites engine.
The third row of this vehicle should be changed to front facing seat. Currently the side facing seats give a Malgadi look. This option can be offered in the lower end version of the Safari. But the top of the range vehicles should have it facing front.
I am not very sure of its 4 wheel capability as I was not given a 4X4 vehicle for test drive. therefore no comments.
Lastly I congratulate the Safari design team for the job well done, but guys you have just got started and there is a long way to go and the current Safari is due for a facelift. Ideally the new Safari should look like the iconic Land Rover Defenders 110 (now that TATA owns both brands).so keep up the good work and make India proud.
Shalom