Since the reborn Tata Safari arrived a month ago, it has been available in seven trims – XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ, XZ+ and Adventure Persona. Priced from Rs 14.49-21.45 lakh, Tata’s new flagship SUV seems to have garnered a decent level of demand, especially for the higher Safari variants, with waiting period going up to two months for some variants.
From among the higher trim levels, customers are increasingly opting for the top-spec Adventure Persona over the XZ+, despite the Rs 20,000 premium it commands. Read on to know why.
- Safari customers feel the Adventure Persona’s interiors are easier to maintain
- Rs 20,000 premium also adds exterior changes and a unique colour
- Current waiting period on the Safari goes up to two months at some locations
Tata Safari: Adventure Persona in demand
Although the Safari XZ+/XZA+ (Rs 19.99-21.25 lakh) and Adventure edition (Rs 20.20-21.45 lakh) share their features list – Terrain Response Modes, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, six airbags, hill-descent control, ISOFIX anchors, an electronic parking brake, a massive panoramic sunroof and optional captain’s seats in the second row, instead of a bench – the Adventure Persona gets a few cosmetic changes inside and outside, including an exclusive blue colour called Tropical Mist.
Buyers prefer the blacked-out bits on the Safari Adventure Persona’s exterior, and the beige-on-black interior trim. The Safari in XZ and XZ+ form comes with ‘Oyster White’ upholstery, which isn’t going down well with many customers, who fear it will be very hard to keep clean. The Earthy Brown leatherette upholstery and the black and darkened trim inserts inside the cabin are perceived to be easier to maintain.
Interestingly, the lower-spec Safari XE, XM, XT and XT+ variants all get the darkened interior bits as standard, along with dark grey fabric seat covers.
Also, Tata Motors has added the Tropical Mist exterior shade in the standard Safari for all variants, except the entry-level XE, according to a few dealers.
All variants come with a 2.0-litre diesel engine making 170hp and 350Nm of peak torque, which is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Except for the XE, XT and XT+, all trims also get the option of a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Tata Safari: rivals
Competition to the three-row Tata Safari comes from the MG Hector Plus, which is available in 6- and 7-seat form, and the 7-seat Mahindra XUV500. An all-new XUV500 is in the works and is expected to arrive in the coming months. The Hyundai Alcazar – the Korean brand’s Creta-based three-row SUV – will also contend in this segment.
Ex-showroom, Delhi
Also see:
2021 Tata Safari Adventure Persona first look video
Tata Safari waiting period creeping up
2021 Tata Safari review, test drive
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