Tata Safari

Tata Safari
Overview
Manufacturer Tata Motors
Also called Tata Dicor
Production 1998–present
Assembly Pune, India
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Front engine, Two-wheel and four-wheel drive
Related Tata Sumo, Tata Aria
Powertrain
Engine 2.0L turbodiesel I4
3.0L Dicor turbodiesel
2.2L Dicor VTT turbodiesel I4
2.2L Varicor turbodiesel I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length 4,650 mm (183.1 in)
Width 1,918 mm (75.5 in)
Height 1,925 mm (75.8 in)
Curb weight 1,920 kg (4,233 lb)

The Tata Safari is a SUV produced by Tata Motors of India. It is the first SUV to be designed, developed and manufactured entirely in India.[1]

Body and trim options

The SUV was first released in 1998 with a 2.0 litre turbo I4 Diesel engine. It was later upgrade in 2003 as a part of next improved Versions first EX and then EX2 along with Limited edition roll-out with improved interiors and Mechanics which included Power steering, fuel pump, electricals By far the TCIC EX2 2003-2006 models were the most reliable and refined TCIC safari The Safari was extensively modified in August 2005, which included the addition of a new 3-litre DiCOR engine along with modified interiors and exteriors. This 3-litre engine is the first diesel engine from Tata Motors with common rail technology. A 2-litre petrol engine[MPFi] was also added to the range that same year. It was this modified version that won the Motor Forum's Car of the Year for 2007, in the SUV category. Voted by the users in India, it beat out rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Land Rover Freelander and Honda CR-V.

In October 2007 Tata unveiled the 2.2-litre Safari DiCOR which had an increased power output of 143 PS (105 KW). But it was shortly replaced by the more advanced DiCOR 2.2 VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) engine which had a power output of 140 PS (103 kW) at 4000 rpm and a torque output of 320 N·m (236 lbf·ft) at 1700 rpm. It is widely regarded as the best engine used by Tata Motors.

Tata recently launched a new variant of safari called Safari GX. The new Safari GX sits just below current top end variant Safari VX. Safari Gx gets dual tone exteriors, unique leather cum fabric upholstery, Reverse Guide System (without a camera which along with the Screen in the Internal Rearview Mirror is only available in the VX variant). Another new feature is indicators on the Outer Rear View Mirrors.

First generation

Launched in 1998 in Turbo Diesel form, the Safari had 87 PS (64 kW) power. It came with a synchromesh forward five-speed manual gearbox, with a 4X4 option. However, it was regarded to be grossly underpowered, and had a lot of body roll.

The new Tata Safari DiCOR (DiCOR standing for "Direct Injection Common Rail engine") is powered by a 3000 cc inline-four cylinder engine that develops 116 PS (85 kW) at 3000 rpm and 300 N·m (221 lbf·ft) of torque between 1600 and 2000 rpm. The engine is taken from the Tata 407, a truck manufactured by Tata Motors. The new engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, with a new, sporty gear lever.

2007 revision

Tata displayed the Euro 4 compliant 2.2-litre DiCOR engine with 140 PS (103 kW) and 320 N·m (236 lbf·ft) of torque at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show.[2] It was launched on October 5, 2007. It had some improved interior features like two-tone upholstery and leather seats. The high end version of the Safari came with safety features like Dual airbags and ABS with EBD. Additional features like rear AC vents, reversing camera, DVD player with LCD screens in the front seats headrests and dimming lights too were also available as an option. Four-wheel drive options were available on EX, GX and VX variants which, uses a Borg Warner shift on the fly transfer case.

India's leading automotive portal CarWale recently did a series of off-road trails on a Tata Safari DiCOR 2.2 4×4. The only modifications done to the Safari were removal of running boards and addition 15 inch rims shod with 235/75 R 15 Radial tyres. The off-road performance of the Safari was highly praised by them.[3]

Driving impressions

The Safari weighs 1,920 kg (4,230 lb) kerb; adding an extra 110 kg (240 lb) for the 4WD variant."Tata Safari specification". Tata Motors. Retrieved 2009-04-24. .[4] With the DiCOR engine, the 4WD Safari is substantially quicker than the Scorpio or Innova also with a lighter engine under the hood it feels more agile. The car is very comfortable for driver as well as passengers. It has a strong road presence.

Specifications

Specifications of the Tata Safari 2.2 DiCOR

Top speed 180 km/h (112 mph)

(160 km/h as per user manual)

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 15.8 s
Engine Type 2.2 L VTT DiCOR
Displacement 2179 cc
Power 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 4000 rpm
Torque 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @1700 rpm
Valve Mechanism DOHC
Cylinder Configuration Inline 4
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel System Common Rail direct injection with Variable Turbine Turbo (VTT)
Minimum Turning Radius 6 metres
Wheelsize 6.5Jx16
Tyres 235/70 R 16, 105 S
Ground Clearance 205 mm / 8.07 inches

Second generation

Safari Storme
Overview
Production October 2012–present
Model years 2012-present
Assembly Pune, India
Powertrain
Engine 2.2L VariCOR
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,650 mm
Length 4,655 mm
Width 1,965 mm
Height 1,922 mm
Curb weight 2095 kg

An entire new Safari was supposed to be launched in 2011.Tata Motors Limited has officially launched the Second Generation Safari (The new Safari Storme) on 17th October 2012 in India.

These were few of the Rumours and/or available information from media/Mass public before the official Launch:-

The Second generation Tata Safari is based on its sibling Aria’s "X2" platform[5] which has a stronger hydro-formed chassis sections.It will have an upgraded G76-Mark II gearbox.[6] The car is expected to be lighter than the outgoing model to make it more fuel efficient. With European markets in mind, the car has been developed to comply by the EuroNCAP safety norms.

Tata Safari STORME

The second generation Tata Safari is known as The Tata Safari STORME. It was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012, New Delhi.[7] The all new Tata Safari Storme (Supposed to be initially named as Tata Safari Merlin) is dynamic and bold in looks offering a dramatic aggressiveness from all angles. The sharp and bold flared halogen Projection headlights and the bonnet with a slope line so defined with the grille and the company logo would form the charming yet masculine front fascia. The roof rails look stylish and sporty.

Tata Safari Storme has a new Common Rail Direct Injection 2.2 Litre 16 Valve DOHC "VariCOR " Diesel Engine with Variable Turbine Technology(VTT), High Inertia Flywheel. The engine is controlled by a 32 bit processor. The Safari Storme has more passenger cabin space. In India,the top variant comes with Dual Airbags, ABS(Anti Lock Braking System), and EBD(Electronic Brake Force Distribution), Electronic Shift on fly 4 by 4 Mechanism, Limited Slip Differential,Fuel Cut-Off Inertia Switch for safety in a crash to reduce risks of/intensity of fire.

Tata Safari Strome

The interior is improved and is of higher quality. Tata Safari Storme has 4 trim levels which are LX, EX, VX,VX 4WD which are priced at Rs 9.95 lakh, 10.77 lakh, 12.37 lakh and 13.66 lakh respectively. (ex-showroom, New Delhi). [8]

The Safari is more of a proper SUV and has better offroading capability and those consumers in India who prefer better off road capability than the lesser priced smaller SUVs like Ecosport buy the Tata Safari Storme as well as the Mahindra Scorpio.

Prime Minister's convoy

Multiple Black Tata Safaris and a Jammer are a permanent part of the Indian President's, Vice President's and Prime Minister's convoy. It is also used by other dignitaries.

References

  1. ↑ "Tata Safari". India Car.com. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
  2. ↑ "Bologna Motor Show". Autocar India. Archived from the original on 2007-10-16. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
  3. ↑ "Tata Safari - Offroading". Carwale. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
  4. ↑ "Tata-Safari DICOR road test". Autocar India. Archived from the original on 2007-10-15. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
  5. ↑ "Next generation of Tata Safari will be launched in 2011". Carwale.com. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
  6. ↑ "Tata Motors to Launch All New Safari in 2011 - CarWale News". Carwale.com. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
  7. ↑ "Tata Safari Storme". TechXreview.com. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
  8. ↑ "Tata Safari Storme". CarDekho.com. Retrieved 2012-11-06.

13. Tata Safari launched on 17th October 2012 at New Delhi.More info on: Article from Economic Times:Tata launches new Safari Storme at a starting price of Rs 9.95 lakh

14. Tata Safari Storme Explorer Edition launched on 19th June 2013. More info on: Article on Tata Safari Storme Explorer Edition launch from Indian Autos Blog

15. Tata Safari Storme on Tata Safari Storme From Car N Bike Expert

External links

Tata road car timeline, Indian market, 1990s–present
Type 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 01
City car Nano
Pixel
Subcompact Indica Indica Vista
Indigo
Compact Indigo Manza
Crossover Aria
SUV Sierra Safari TCIC Safari dicor
Pickup Tata TL Xenon
MUV/MPV Estate Sumo Sumo Victa
Sumo Grande
Venture
Microvan Magic
Magic Iris
Maxi Van Winger