From being ostracized a few years back, I would say the Safari has come a long way. I bought nine in Aug 11 and have completed 16000 K since. All I can say is that it is a beast that just wants more pushing. For people who doubt the suspension and handling, I would request u to go to the dealership and have a test ride.
Pros: The engine has been tweaked quite a bit and offers good power for its size and weight although it tends to lose steam in reasonably steep climbs.
For a vehicle this size, the engine sound after all the shielding seems very pleasant and not jarry. The fuel economy is good; give abt 700-800 K on a full tank. What is best is the suspension; u can go over the best pothole that our PWD can throw at u and still not feel the rattle. Space is good although the rear seats feel a bit too upright on long journeys. Lastly the road presence is amazing. I have fitted a bull bar in front and am amazed when our dear rickshaw wallahs think twice about jumping in front of u and giving u a fright
Cons: Although the seats are comfy and pleasing to the eye, the plastics are reeeal cheap. after a year many of the smaller knobs are missing. The workmanship on the rubber cladding on the doors and stopppers is real poor. U can thank TATA for that and spare a thought if the Jag- Land Rovers will end up the same way. The music system is terribly under powered with cheap speakers but I guess they wanted u to fit your own system.it only remains a show piece. For people who are planning pure city use, this ain’t the vehicle as the turn radius is a real killer; the largest in India(or possibly the world). Lastly, dont mind the creaks from the back. I took my vehicle twice for the same and even the engineers are unable to find the source.
REMEDY: get a powerful music system fitted and enjoy the ride
Overall just enjoy the ride and forget all the frivolous details, this vehicle in spite of its many draw backs is the quintessential Ramu Kaka, he just grows on u.