Hi guys
There are so many reviews about Safari out there and they swing in both directions. Some of the reviews totally temp you to buy one and other tell you unconditionally hate one. So what is up with this SUV, may be I can help. I wanted to write an honest review about my experience with Tata Safari, might help someone make a better informed decision who is wishing to buy safari.
First of all my backgroud- I am an NRI prone to lot of travel to my mother land and have driven range of SUV’s and cars. At present I own a Safari and a Honda Civic in India . I have owned a total of two Safari’s for a period of 8 years, bought one when it was initially launched and exchanged it for another new Safari in 2004. So you must think I am a Safari lover, well ’yes’ and ’no’ with my reasons going both ways.
Here are my views on the
INTERIOR
The interior of the car is no doubt one of the best in the SUV segment in the Indian market. The interiors are more a car like and round shaped. The particular feature that I love is the steering is slanted at an angel like in most cars and not straight like in the big Tata load trucks and Scorpio as well. The seats also go with the steering slant, so it makes the whole driving experience a bit more comfortable and car like.
The steering is also small compared to other SUV’s (Tavera) and good to grip so helps while driving.
The dash is not in your face like any other trucks and is well rounded to please you. Everything is accessible.
So overall I will rate the interior better than most of the competing trucks in the segment.
Negative about interior:
None actually, it is the best in the class. Get a wooden trim, its worth it.
DRIVE
Safari has good sturdy drive, you really feel you are driving a SUV truck. Everything is positioned comfortably and easy to reach.
It has a good road presence and people actually respect you on the road. This is the greatest difference I have noticed between driving my CIVIC and driving a SAFARI. In Safari people actually fear you and will not dare cross your way whereas in CIVIC you have to be on a look out for cycles, auto and rikshaws ignoring your space and coming your way. I already have scratches on my CIVIC in its first month but my Safari, seems like nothing can reach this car. The bumpers are made out of good plastic material, so scratches are unoticable.
I have taken the car to Amritsar and down South, it is an absolutely beast on the highway. You do have few troubles with speed topping 120 but to be honest it does gets a little risky over than on Indian highways.
The brakes are hydraulic and very effective for the size and inertia of the car. I can drive it fast in the city too without worrying about breaking down. However clutch is heavy, see the negatives below.
I took the car on hills to Shimla, now note this. My cousin took his Tavera as well, interestingly Tavera had a better pick up in the hills due its light weight. But Safari wasnt too far behind. However steering Safari on the windy hilly roads was much better due to the steering size and response.
Big negatives about drive:
Clutch is heavy and I mean ’heavy’. It takes time getting used to it and may tire you if you are driving a lot in city.
You might feel a bit decieved by the pick up, especially between 2nd to 3rd gear. The truck does takes a bit of time to catch up on 2nd to 3rd gear shift. Alternative, rav up hight on 2nd before changing into 3rd.
Overall, the drive is good and SUV like. I gave my gf a chance to drive Safari from Gurgaon to Noida. She is a Wagon R driver, was reluctant at first but loved to drive for it sheere road presence and heavy firm drive.
EXTERIORS:
Now, there are hardly many people who will go against the look of Safari. It is again the best in the segment and look a lot more like how an SUV should look compared to Tavera or Scorpio even.
In an LX model, try getting a spoilor and alloys installed. I dont like the company alloys as the tires are still inside the body. I got chromes from an accessorie shop on the origional tires. It results in great looks.
Negatives on Exterior:
None actually again.
Overall, Safari is a good buy but who should and should not buy this car
1) Some one who has a lot to drive in the city should NOT buy this car. Try INNOVA or SCORPIO or go HONDA CITY all the way, may be you will like them better for city drive.
2) The drive is a bit heavy so buy it if you can be up to the challenge, as I said it is a hardcore SUV, may not be a practical everyday vehicle.
3) Absolutely recommended for highway drivers.
4) People who admire the looks on Safari, you cant beat it.
Buy this car if you have 7-8 lacs to spare and are in luv with SUV’s. You will only buy a SAFARI over SCORPIO or INNOVA because of your love for its looks and its hardcore SUV feel. Dont suggest buying TAVERA, its not an SUV for me personally for reasons I will not include in this article.
So to break it down further
If you are a person to go with head, you may want to test drive Scorpio or Innova; but if you are a person who may take decsions with heart and are in love with Safari’s looks and presence- go for it; It wont disappoint you, it hasnt disappointed me yet.