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Tata Safari Petrol Review: Small Sized Heart, Big Oomph
The Tata Safari has long been a staple in India's SUV market. Now, Tata Motors has introduced a significant update with a new turbo petrol engine, first seen on the new Sierra and now doing duty with a slightly more pumped up tune in the Safari and its smaller sibling, the Harrier
We got to drive the new Tata Safari Petrol in its Dark Edition guise, which stands out with its bold all-black design. Here are our thoughts about the all-new Tata Safari Petrol and how it performs on the road after a few hours in the driver's seat.
Tata Safari Petrol Review – Exterior Highlights
The Tata Safari Petrol Dark Edition boasts a striking blacked-out aesthetic. Red accents highlight its exterior, including the Safari badging. The SUV sits on large 19-inch alloy wheels, featuring red brake calipers for a sporty look.
The front maintains the familiar Safari design with LED daytime running lights, main headlights, and fog lights. A subtle 'Safari' inscription enhances the special edition's appeal. The rear's wrap-around LED taillights complete its modern look, ensuring a commanding road presence.
Tata Safari Petrol Review – Interior Highlights
Inside, the Safari Petrol Dark Edition follows its exterior theme with a red and black cabin. The seats are comfortable, with front seats offering ventilation and electronic adjustment. The driver's seat also has a memory function. The second row includes adjustable headrests with "winglet" supports for long journeys. Sunshades benefit rear passengers.
A "boss mode" function lets rear occupants adjust the front passenger seat, creating extra legroom. Rear seats can recline for comfort, and third-row passengers have separate air conditioning controls. The electronically operated boot makes access to the storage area easy.
The cabin features a premium JBL sound system with ten speakers and a subwoofer for immersive audio. Soft-touch materials and ambient lighting create a refined atmosphere. A digital instrument cluster provides clear information.
Key tech features include a 14-inch Samsung-powered infotainment screen and a dashcam system with front and rear cameras. The mirrors have a memory function, tilting down when reversing for better visibility. Also seen are ventilated front and second-row seats (for 6-seater versions). The new 4-spoke steering wheel has a backlit logo.
The Tata Safari Petrol Dark Edition is equipped with advanced safety features, including Level 2 ADAS. These systems enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents. Key functions include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane centring assist. Additional safety features include autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. Rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, and high beam assist add further confidence. A 360-degree surround-view camera aids in parking.
Tata Safari Petrol Review – Specifications & Dimensions
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L TGDi Turbo Petrol |
| Max Power | 170 PS (168 bhp) |
| Max Torque | 280 Nm |
| Length | 4668 mm |
| Width | 1922 mm |
| Height | 1795 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2741 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Boot Space (all seats up) | 420 litres |
| Boot Space (3rd row folded) | 827 litres |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter) |
Tata Safari Petrol Review – Driving Impressions
Powering the Tata Safari petrol is the new Hyperion 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, previously introduced on the Tata Sierra. In this application, the engine has been retuned to produce 168bhp at 5,000rpm and 280Nm between 1,750rpm and 3,500rpm, representing gains of 10hp and 25Nm over the Sierra.
To compensate for the Safari's higher kerb weight, Tata has revised the torque curve to deliver 160Nm from as low as 1,000rpm, improving low-speed drivability. Despite its displacement, the engine does not feel out of place in a three-row SUV during real-world use.
Low-end torque delivery is strong, allowing the Safari to build speed smoothly with minimal turbo lag. Power delivery remains linear across the rev range, prioritising usability over aggressive mid-range or top-end performance. The turbo-engine revs to 5,000rpm, but with a substantial portion of torque available early, overall performance remains consistent. Instrumented testing recorded competitive acceleration figures, and even with six occupants onboard, the Safari maintains adequate pace without feeling strained.
The throttle response is clean, though the difference between the three available drive modes is limited. The Safari also features three Terrain modes designed for light off-road driving conditions. Unlike the Sierra, the Hyperion engine in the Safari is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well as a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
The automatic transmission is well calibrated, holding gears appropriately and avoiding premature upshifts to keep the engine within its optimal operating range. Manual intervention through the paddle shifters is rarely required. Using the paddles automatically engages Sport mode, which takes longer than expected to revert to Auto
Refinement levels are well controlled, with minimal vibrations across the rev range. While the engine note is slightly more audible than expected for a petrol unit, it remains smooth and free of harshness. Braking performance is supported by four-wheel disc brakes, delivering consistent and predictable stopping ability, thiugh you do feel the heft of the Safari when you do drop the anchors.
Tata Safari Petrol Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts
The Tata Safari, with its new turbo petrol engine, offers a compelling mix of power and style. It performs well across varied road conditions, thanks to its sturdy build. Modern features and advanced safety systems add to its allure.
The addition of a petrol engine expands the Tata Safari's powertrain options and broadens its overall appeal. The Safari continues to offer a strong road presence, a comfortable ride quality and a spacious cabin with generous equipment levels. The third row remains usable for adult occupants, adding to its practicality as a three-row SUV. Despite its size and the relatively small engine displacement, the Safari Petrol delivers more than adequate performance along with controlled refinement.
Some ergonomic inconsistencies remain in the cabin layout, though they do not significantly affect day-to-day usability. The petrol-powered Safari positions itself as an option for buyers seeking a large three-row SUV with a focus on refinement and performance characteristics that don't mind the big fuel bills.
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