Bharat NCAP Test: Tata Safari And Harrier Facelifts Crash Test Results to be Out Soon

The endeavour to augment vehicular safety standards in India has indisputably found its champion in Tata Motors, a brand renowned for prioritising crash safety in its design protocol. The flagship models, Tata Safari and Harrier, are set to join the brand’s fleet of highly rated vehicles as they are nominated for the Bharat NCAP crash testing protocols. Among a group of more than 30 vehicles, they are some of the first to be submitted for this rigorous testing process.

Often considered the flagships of Tata's product offering, the Safari and Harrier are prepping up for a significant revamp. Evoking a sense of curiosity and excitement among auto enthusiasts, these vehicles promise to showcase a raft of enhanced safety attributes. Equipped with superior safety gear such as 6 airbags, 3 point seatbelts, seatbelt reminders, adaptive cruise control and even advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the Safari and Harrier facelifts have left little to be desired.

The Safari further raises the bar by including all four disc brakes, brake disc wiping, and a host of other safety features starting from the base model itself. However, the Harrier facelift could not step up to the plate for equipping rear disc brakes as a standard feature, although its top variants flaunt a set of 7 airbags. Built on the critically acclaimed OMEGARC platform borrowed from the Land Rover's D8 platform, these two models are poised to deliver an impressive performance.

Continuing the tradition of setting high crash safety standards, Tata Motors is expected to secure a 5-star rating in the newly established Bharat NCAP protocols with its revised Safari and Harrier models. Standing on the shoulders of Tata's established reputation in the field of vehicular safety, they have a strong chance to match up to the Mahindra XUV700, their direct market competitor, renowned for its smooth sailing through the crash tests.

For those closely observing the Indian automotive industry, there has been an antsy speculation about the Stallantis sourced 2.0L turbo diesel engine. The point of concern lies in the alleged proximity of the oil filter to the driver's footwell, potentially posing a serious risk during a crash. Strangely enough, vehicles equipped with this engine have never undergone crash testing.

However, with Tata Motors deciding to plunge the Safari and Harrier with this powertrain into the crash test, this rumour will soon be addressed and either confirmed or dispelled. The Stallantis sourced MultiJet diesel engine delivers 170 PS of peak power and 350 Nm of peak torque which could be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter.

DriveSpark Thinks

In conclusion, the forthcoming crash tests for the Tata Safari and Harrier facelifts affirm Tata Motors’ commitment to maintaining a high standard of safety across its range of vehicles. While much appreciation is deserved for delivering a fleet with a 4-star crash rating starting with its most affordable models, this stride puts the competition further behind in the race for safety supremacy in the Indian automobile market.