After doing a lot of research I bought the new Tata Safari 2.2 LX in Black colour in April 2008 from Om Sai Motors, Mumbai. The new engine is really good and responsive. The cabin is much better in sound proofing and there is very little noise of teh new diesel engine inside the car.
The interiors are spacious and exterior looks are good too. I have driven the car for about 3000 Km and it is giving me a mileage of about 9 kmpl in the city. The back seat is a little too stiff for comfortable long drives and AC is not very effective in summer.
Still, overall it would have been a great choice had it not been for the worst quality of service from both the dealer and even the customer service manager of Tata Motors and some niggling manufactring faults in the car.
From day 1, there is a rattling noise in the two front seats. The right side suspension also makes squeaking sounds all the time even on smooth roads. The side cladding has changed colours and showing white spots on several places.
What is most annoying is that out of the 2.5 months that I have had the car, I had to take the car 3 times to the service centre and not a single time did they return the car on the promised date nad free of faults. Out of the 70 days that I have owned the car, the car has spent more than 10 days at the workshop. Eveny time I am told the problem is resolved and every time I find out the same thing reappearing a couple of days later.
There is no apology or compensation from either the dealer or Tata Motors for wasting my time and money. This is my fourth car and it is the most disappointing experience that I have had so far.