Tata Safari

Tata Safari

Manufacturer	Tata Motors
Also called	Tata Dicor
Production	1998–present
Class	SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Engine	2.0L turbodiesel I4 2.2L turbodiesel I4 3.0L turbodiesel I4
Transmission	5-speed manual
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)
Kerb weight	1,920 kg (4,233 lb)
Related	Tata Sumo

The Tata Safari is an SUV produced by Tata Motors of India. It is the first SUV to be designed, developed and manufactured "entirely" in India.

Body and trim options

The SUV was first released in 1998 with a 2.0 litre Turbo Diesel engine.

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, 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 ft·lbf) at 1700 rpm. It is widely regarded as the best engine used by Tata Motors^{[citation needed]}.

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.

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  Tata Safari seen on a road in Cyprus

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  A 2006 Safari Dicor LX 3.0 in white.

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  A 2009 Safari 2.2 DiCOR VX 4x4

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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 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 ft·lbf) 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 ft·lbf) of torque at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show. It was launched on October 5, 2007. It has some improved interior features like two-tone upholstery and leather seats. The high end version of the Safari comes with full safety features like 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 are also available as an option. Four-wheel drive options are 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.

Driving impressions

The main issue with the Safari is that it is quite a heavy vehicle; it tilts the scales at 2,115 kg (4,660 lb) (kerb); adding an extra 110 kg (240 lb) for the 4WD variant. The consequence of that is though the engine specifications sound great on paper — 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) of torque at 1600 rpm — it is not a great leap in terms of outright performance. 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.^{[citation needed]}

The car has been described as slow, unrefined and "pedestrian" when used on the roads, although its off-road performance has been given praise by some reviewers. European reviews have also drawn attention to the standard of the interior and the original engine being underpowered, sluggish, noisy and idling poorly when cold. With respect to its power and handling, British television program "Fifth Gear" referred to the Safari as having "about as much finesse as a three-legged giraffe".

Specifications

Specifications of the Tata Safari 2.2 DiCOR

Top speed	152 km/h (95 mph) (160 km/h as per user manual)
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)	16.2 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

An entire new Safari is due to be launched in 2011. The 2011 Tata Safari will be based on its sibling Aria’s "X2" platform which has a stronger hydro-formed chassis sections. The new model will also have lots of space and will be loaded with features such Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF), ABS, EBD, ESP, SRS Airbags, Climate Control etc. As far as engine is concerned, speculation are that Tata will be using its proven 2.2L VTT DiCOR, that is being used in current generation Safari, to this model as well.

It will have an upgraded G76-Mark II gearbox.[1]

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 will be known as Tata Safari STORME. Its been unrelieved at the Auto Expo 2012, New Delhi. The all new Tata Merlin would be dynamic and bold in looks offering a dramatic aggressiveness from all angles. The sharp and bold flared halogen 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 that looks more or less similar to that of the Land Rover. The roof rails look stylish and sporty which is yet again somewhat similar to the typical design of the Land Rover.

The all new Tata Merlin itself has the same engine as its predecessor; the well-known and highly successful 2.2 l DiCOR turbocharged diesel engine that is based on the Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) technology and comes well equipped and accompanied with a highly fuel efficient 16 valve DOHC platform.

From where it stands now, a debut or showcasing of the Safari replacement is not in the vicinity. Tata has the option of making a splash at the Auto Expo in January 2012, but showcasing the new model can lead to the death of sales of the existing Safari.

External links

• Tata Safari official website
• Tata Safari Specifications