We have already reported to you numerous interior and exterior spy images of the upcoming Tata Safari facelift, but for the first time, we have a completely undisguised look at the dashboard of the updated SUV. And as was expected, it gets a complete design overhaul that looks notably more premium and packs in a lot more tech.
- Safari facelift interior will have very few physical controls
- Infotainment screen likely larger than 10.25-inches
- Will get new two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel
Tata Safari facelift interior spied undisguised
The first impression looking at the image is that it appears a lot richer. Tata has even incorporated a few design elements from the Curvv and Sierra EV interior concepts here into production with the Safari facelift. The four-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel, for instance, is exactly what it was on the Sierra EV concept at Auto Expo 2023. It features a couple of toggle switches and haptic buttons at either end, while the centre portion gets a gloss black finish that’ll likely also have an illuminated Tata logo.
We can also clearly see the gloss black panel for the HVAC controls – it features two bands of haptic buttons with two toggle switches that’ll likely be for temperature and blower controls – again, identical to what Tata had previewed with the Curvv and Sierra EV concepts. The infotainment system on the Safari facelift also seems all-new; it has sharp edges as opposed to the rounded edges on the current 10.25-inch screens on the Safari Red Dark Editions, and as such, appears larger too. Tata could also provide an updated software interface with the new infotainment system.
Additionally, we can notice leatherette padding with contrast double-stitching for the lower portion of the dashboard, while the upper portion gets a full-width, coloured, gloss dashboard insert as opposed to faux wood-like trim on the current model. The central AC vents continue with a trapezoidal shape, but are now inverted and a lot sleeker as well, and there’s also a full-digital instrument cluster replacing the semi-digital unit on the current model.
Tata has also majorly revised the centre console area – the gear lever is smaller, stubbier and appears more sophisticated, while the rotary dial is larger and looks similar to the knurled unit on the Nexon EV Max with a circular digital screen. The grab handles, meanwhile, have been retained as is. There’s also no major change to the door pads either.
Notably, the updated SUV will have very few physical interior controls, but thankfully, key functions like temperature and blower settings, volume controls and drive modes appear to be operated by physical dials and toggle switches. You can expect the interior design to be mirrored in the Harrier facelift, while a lot of these elements will also be shared with the Nexon facelift. The Safari will also be majorly updated on the outside, more about which you can read here.
Tata Safari facelift powertrain options
At launch, the Safari will remain mechanically unchanged. It will carry over the current 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s offered with 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. Tata’s new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that's currently under development is only expected to join the line-up much later.
Tata Safari facelift launch timeline
Tata Motors has a slew of SUV launches lined up for the upcoming festive season, and the Safari facelift, along with the updated Harrier, is expected to arrive around September 2023. However, given the step-up in quality and equipment, expect a significant step-up in the pricing as well.
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