Aug 30, 2005 07:56 PM
16038 Views
(Updated Aug 31, 2005 08:24 PM)
Review is dedicated to my friend Rajeev (psyxx), the most popular member of MS, currently recovering fast from Carpal tunnel syndrome, who, last month test drove the Scorpio CRDi and who, I think would look best in the driver's seat of this beast.
Hope you will be back soon....
THE TATA SAFARI DiCOR
------------------------------
I got a chance to see the all new Tata Safari DiCOR but could not arrange for a test drive. But since this is the first review in the site on the car, I though I will give more details on the technical specs and also the major changes in the new car… Will update the review after I get to drive the beast…
Looks& design:
The basic looks of the Safari looks essentially the same, but there has been a considerable improvement, especially from the front. The new chrome grill and clear lens headlamps add a new character to the SUV.
The Tata Safari has always been a looker and though the model is a bit old, it still looks superb from the sides. The rear also gets a facelift with the new clear lens tail lamps.
Engine and performance:
This is the single most important change in the new DiCOR. It gets a new 2956cc common rail direct injection engine usually referred to as the CRDi. The massive 3L engine produces 115 bhp@ 3000 rpm and a maximum torque of 300 Nm@ 1600- 2000 rpm.
This could result in a good fight with the Scorpio CRDi. The main factor which fell in favour of the Scorpio was that the diesel engine of the Tata was too short of power producing only 90 bhp. The 115 bhp is highly competent with the Scorpio.
4 Wheel drive:
Want to go off road? The safari DiCOR has an electric 4 wheel drive. This makes it perfectly stable wherever it goes… road or not… But this is better said than done. The vehicle is very heavy and surely you wouldn’t take a Tata to jungle conditions…
DVD player with LCD screens…
I like Tata for one thing above all. The amount of equipment they throw into their cars. The indigo GSX was launched recently with all sorts of equipment. But the safari pushes the standard far above all others.
The car comes equipped with a DVD player and LCD screens are provided at the back of the headrests…
More and more electricals… I am impressed!
32 bit microprocessor
Roof mounted ac
Remote central locking with immobilizer
Electrically operated side view mirrors.
Electrically operated remote fuel cap
Electric point for rear seat
Anti lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force distribution (EBD)
Reversing camera
Reversing camera with LCD screen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This one I have to comment! This is one of the features that made me really think big of Tata. On the interior rear view mirror, there is an LCD screen. It displays pictures from a camera placed on the rear bumper. Coooooooooool!!! Parking this big baby is not going to be much of a trouble after all.
Luxury…
Power tilt able steering
Arm rest on front and rear seats.
Rear wash and wipe.
Dual airbags.
Leather upholstery
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Colours
The car is available in 7 colours.
Light gold (Remember the ad?)
Arizona blue
Quartz black
River rock green
Artic white
Artic silver
Passion red (Cooool!!!)
Variants
Available in three variants… (LX, EX, VX)
The Autocar India had given the verdict on the Safari as a very comfy cruiser in need of a powerful, improved diesel engine… So there wish has been granted. The new Safari will definitely be well received. I am also waiting for all the auto magazines to be released next month.
For all the people looking to buy an SUV, and had in mind the Scorpio, here is a vehicle worth your time…and with these good equipment levels and the new CRDi diesel engine, the Safari is definitely going to give the Scorpio a run for the money…
Thank you for reading the review… Will be updated as soon as I can… after getting myself into the driver’s seat of this beast.
