The Tata Safari is one of the longest selling vehicles in the company’s model range. Tata gave it a facelift in 2012 and called it the Safari Storme, which stands to be updated early next year. The updated model might be launched in early 2015 and will employ comprehensive changes inside out, according to rumours.
The updated model might get a host of styling changes but the overall silhouette of the car will remain the same. Its cabin is set to carry the most changes, like a new dashboard, upholstery and infotainment system. The vehicle might also be available in a five-seater configuration and the last row of the seven-seater model might be facing front, instead of getting jump seats.
It is expected to be available with a power output of 148bhp and 320Nm of torque, similar to the Aria mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It seems like the chassis has also been tweaked to improve the ride and handling characteristics. Also, the turning radius which was a typical grouse of owners will be worked upon.
It might be asking for more, but Tata needs to spin off a new vehicle by replacing the Safari. Mahindra recently launched the Scorpio and has re-engineered the vehicle ground up, but still it uses the same silhouette and looks old. While Scorpio is loved by the masses, the Safari is slowly losing the plot. It is time Tata replaced the Safari with something new.