Tata Safari Classic : When you think of Tata Safari, the immediat……Source:!! README !! News Tata Safari What is the Safari? And that’s the thread that Tata Motors has tapped into with the Safari Classic, a product that brings to the fore old-school character even as it adds a touch of modern practicality.
In a segment populated with tech-laden crossovers, the Safari Classic has a particular kind of customer in mind — one who is more apt to appreciate heritage and substantial engineering than slick parlor tricks.
The Safari Classic brings back a cult design and manages to refine it in all the right places, and yes, it’s close enough to the real deal if you want something more rugged but practical for your daily um, err, weekend use.
While rugged, It still grabs your attentionSharedPointer-6 1 of 4Rugged Design That Still Catches The EyeSharedPointer-6 1 of 4 Rugged Design That Still Catches The EyeSharedPointer-6 1 of 4 Rugged Design That Still Catches The Eye Over 5 decades since the first Land Cruiser, the 95th has been given a way cool makeover.
Safari Classic Safari derives its inspiration from the legendary Safari, particularly in its styling.
The profile continues to be angular, upright, and beefy — a far cry from the current crop of curvy, coupe-like SUVs.
You get a high-riding stance, huge bonnet, flared wheel arches, and a good old tailgate-mounted spare wheel screaming “SUV” in every way.
There are also a few understated modern touches in the form of new headlamps, a revised front grille and smoked taillamps that help to ensure it doesn’t feel like too much of a throwback, or conversely not enough of one.
The body panels remind you there’s still plenty of metal in this baby and the stout thunk you hear when you close a door reminds you this machine was built to last.
Interior: Simple, Bare, And Roomy
In the Safari Classic less is more when it comes to layout. Dashboard is simple and clean.
There’s no huge digital display in here, but what is on offer is a functional and robust cabin with an acceptable level of materials quality.
The chairs are high and imposing, particularly in the front. The rear seat has good legroom and headroom, and the wide windows aid in the airiness.
The third-row setup, specifically, is old-school, but serviceable for a short hop across the city. Boot space is limited with all rows up, but fold the third row and there is a vast amount of cargo space available.
There’s manual air conditioning, a no-frills infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB charging ports — nothing out of the ordinary, just all things you absolutely need.
Engine and Driving Dynamics
Powering the Tata Safari Classic is the 2.0-litre diesel engine (also found in the Harrier and the new Safari) that has been slightly detuned to match up to the rugged nature of this vehicle.
It pumps out a hearty 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque with a 6-speed manual gearbox. No automatic is available, so the driving experience remains mechanical and connected.
The Safari Classic feels like a real traditional SUV out on the road too. The body-on-frame, high-seating, long-travel suspension provide a real go-anywhere feeling.
Even potholes and bad patches are ehh, no problem. It’s not the nimblest car in traffic, but it lights up on open highways or off road.
Even though it doesn’t have all-wheel drive, the suspension and ground clearance is plenty for some light off-roading.
But again, this is a car that is best driven in a relaxed manner, not in throaty race mode around bends or down straight roads.
Safety and Reliability
Tata’s youthful obsession with safety is reflected in the Safari Classic too. You get:
Dual airbags
ABS with EBD
Rear parking sensors
Central looking and safety belts reminders
A staggering amount of technology-enabled safety features it does not, but the vehicle does feel solidly built, punching through the horror show of safety related headlines just an extra hair.
The car feels sturdy and it has got that Indian road feel.
Pros:
Classic SUV look and imposing presence on the road
Solid construction and rugged mechanics
“Romantic” and “Practical” inside
Good amount of torque from the powerfull diesel engine
Stable and low maintenance installation
Cons:
Modern tech features and connected options are not included
No automatic or AWD variant
Interior looks more spartan next to competitors
Third row not great for long, long trips
May not be for techies or folks in cities only
Tata Safari Classic: Final Verdict
The Tata Safari Classic isn’t for everyone — which is precisely its strength. It’s for people who prize substance over style, heritage over gimmicks and ruggedness over tactility.
It’s not trying to be the most contemporary or the most luxurious, but rather it’s attempting to do something that feels increasingly rare in the market today — provide a no-nonsense SUV experience that draws from a long history of Indian automobiles.
For buyers yearning for the original Safari’s spirit with a dash of modern-day reliability, it’s a big, bold and nostalgic statement – one that waves loudly in a segment awash with carbon copies.