With the new 2023 models of their popular SUV twins, Tata is setting new benchmarks for modern Indian SUVs
Tata Motors’ continued commitment to their loyal buyers has been clearly evident in the number of updates the Harrier and the Safari have received in the past few years. And now with the 2023 facelifts, it’s clear that these will be among the best-sellers in their respective segments. In fact, given the extent of updates to the two SUVs, the term facelift seems like an understatement. Let’s start with the Safari.
2023 Tata Safari: Refined Rumble
Within minutes of navigating Pune’s streets, a Safari owner halted us to admire the 2023 facelift. His awe mirrored ours; the updated Safari is a sight to behold. It sports a significant exterior revamp while preserving its SUV essence, now with a refined rather than robust demeanor. The modern full LED head and tail lamps, reimagined grille, futuristic full-width LED DRLs, and a sharper, aggressive bumper make the aesthetic seem modern yet rugged.
As we zigzagged through Pune’s bustling lanes, the Safari showcased its city-friendly persona. Despite the notorious potholes, the ride was composed, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. The Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifting, making city driving a breeze, even amid start-stop traffic. The cabin boasts a pivotal upgrade: Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), replacing the former hydraulic setup. This transition elevates steering feedback and precision, rendering the Safari agile and responsive, especially in tight spots and at higher speeds. The revamped four-spoke wheel with backlit switches augments drivability across varying conditions.
Inside, the plush updates are evident. Varied upholstery options, a soft-touch dashboard, multi-color ambient lighting, and a rear armrest with cupholders enhance the luxe feel. The Accomplished variant’s white-grey dual tone amps up the premium ambiance, underscored by improved fit and finish.
The highlight is the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a leap from the older 8.8-inch unit. With better graphics and a slicker interface, it now displays a range of parameters including Air Quality Index (AQI), climate controls, and a 360-degree camera feed. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command, make the infotainment experience feel much more modern. The instrument cluster now serves as a navigation display, minimizing distraction with real-time traffic updates and directions. Comfort isn’t compromised, with features like seat ventilation, Boss Mode for front seat reclining from the rear, and window blinds enhancing the lounging experience.
Safety features like the Adaptive Cruise Control and stop-and-go function, part of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite in specific trims, and a 360-degree camera, make sure that the updated SUV belongs in 2023. These features really come in handy while manoeuvring through bumper-to-bumper traffic. It also offers up to seven airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto-hold, hill hold control, and seat belt reminders for all.
The Kryotec 2.0-liter diesel engine, paired with the smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 168PS and 350 Nm of torque is a familiar experience. Tata say they have worked on reducing the NVH inside the cabin and besides a hint of engine rattle, there’s not much to suggest otherwise. Three driving modes: Eco, City, and Sport, cater to varying driving preferences, with the Sport mode making highway cruising exhilarating. The shift-by-wire system replaces the cable shifter, freeing up center console space and introducing paddle shifters for manual mode engagement.
All the updates come together to make the 2023 Tata Safari a pleasant place to be behind the wheel of, for both urban and highway adventures.
2023 Tata Harrier: A Leap of Evolution
The Tata Harrier is a formidable player in the Indian SUV market, thanks to its sturdy design and dependable performance, especially in the context of its strong diesel engine performance, ride quality, safety features, ground clearance, and terrain response system. It is equipped to handle various driving conditions reliably. With the 2023 model, Tata not only retains its core essence but also aligns with contemporary demands, blending technology with comfort. The pricing for the 2023 model begins at Rs 15.49 lakh, stretching up to Rs 27.34 lakh, showing a slight increment from the 2022 model priced between Rs 14.64 lakh to Rs 24.49 lakh.
Design-wise, the 2023 Harrier holds onto its aggressive front facade— a Harrier signature, but now sports a sleeker silhouette and a bolder grille, enhancing its modern appeal. A notable introduction is the powered tailgate with handsfree open feature, absent in the earlier model, but offered with competitors. The updated bumper and grille, paired with full-width LED DRLs, add a touch of modernity to the Harrier’s design. The restyled headlamps now feature LED projector lights. The Sunlit Yellow color variant we drove caught many an eye, shimmering under the Pune sun.
The interior of the 2023 Harrier is where the ‘personas’ concept shines. Transitioning from mere variants to personas adds a personalized touch to the ownership experience. Our Harrier, matched to the Adventure persona, featured an elegant and comforting brown-black color scheme. The redesigned dashboard is a welcome change, though the piano black panels, despite their sleek look, will prove to be scuff mark magnets. The previous 7-inch infotainment system has now been replaced by a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the 2023 model, along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making the Harrier tech-savvier. The 2023 Harrier, like the Safari, also features the carmaker’s redesigned steering wheel unit, adorned with a backlit logo nestled under the sleek piano-black trim.
A significant leap in the 2023 model is the inclusion of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which wasn’t present in the 2022 model. The ADAS features like autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and high beam assist contribute to making the Harrier a safer and more convenient choice for drivers. However, in our experience the system proved to be too intrusive in its highest setting, braking wildly in free-flowing city traffic with cars at a safe distance.
The 2023 Harrier is powered by a robust 2.0-liter diesel engine, delivering 167PS and 350 Nm of torque, providing a spirited drive through city streets and onto the open highway. Both manual and automatic 6-speed transmissions are available, like the 2022 model. Coupled with the existing powertrain, the Harrier now offers three driving modes – Eco, City, and Sport, alongside three traction modes: Normal, Rough, and Wet, enhancing adaptability across varying terrains and driving conditions. In our short drive in and around Pune, the clutch action of the manual variant proved to be really inconvenient during city traffic. The ride felt slightly stiff at lower speeds, but smoothed out as we accelerated, with the high-speed stability being rather reassuring.
Verdict
The 2023 Tata Safari and Harrier Facelift models are priced at Rs 16.19 lakh and Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively, reflecting Tata Motors’ aim to offer modernized, feature-rich SUVs while retaining brand legacy. The Safari, with its plush interiors and visual appeal, continues to uphold its legacy, while the Harrier, with its robust performance and modern aesthetics, stands as a strong contender in the budget SUV segment. The pricing of both models seems justified given the comprehensive upgrades they bring to the table, positioning Tata Motors as a competitive player in the burgeoning Indian SUV market segment. The new Safari boasts notable upgrades like the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), and a modernized infotainment system which, along with aesthetic enhancements, justify the price increment by enriching the driving and ownership experience. Similarly, the Harrier Facelift, with its technological, aesthetic, and comfort enhancements, aligns with market demands, offering a modern, well-equipped SUV at a competitive price. Both models emphasize Tata’s commitment to evolving with market dynamics, making both the 2023 Safari and Harrier Facelift models attractive and technologically advanced choices for potential SUV buyers.
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