Autocar India
•14w

Am looking for a 7-seater SUV EV and am awaiting the Tata Safari EV launch. How will having the battery pack under affect seating comfort? Also, is the 3rd row usable or will it be suitable for short people and short trips? Will the AWD version be suitable for off-roading?

Verified
•14w

The Tata Safari EV certainly looks promising if you're after a 7-seat electric SUV, but some questions can only be answered once we get behind the wheel. Based on what we know so far, there are a few reasonable expectations. As with most modern EVs, the battery pack is mounted under the floor. Manufacturers usually compensate by raising the seating position slightly, so outright comfort shouldn't be compromised significantly. That said, there can be some impact on under-thigh support and seating posture, particularly in the third row, depending on how successfully Tata has packaged the battery.

As for the third row, don't expect miracles. Like most three-row SUVs in this size class, it is likely to be best suited to children, teenagers or shorter adults on longer journeys. Average-sized adults should be fine for shorter trips, but if you regularly carry seven adults, the third row is unlikely to be as accommodating as the one in the Kia Clavis EV. 

The AWD version should offer noticeably better traction on loose surfaces, gravel, mud and rough trails than the standard model. However, it is important to remember that the Safari EV is still a monocoque family SUV, not a dedicated off-roader. It should be capable of handling mild to moderate off-road conditions and adventure touring, but serious off-roading won't be its primary brief.

Tata Safari EV

Tata Safari EV

•14w•

@autocar.india thanks for the detailed reply. Does the battery warranty get void, if the underbody plate gets scratched?

•14w•
Creta owner · 19,800 km

@kunalr.2712 In most cases, no. Minor scratches on the underbody protection plate are considered normal wear and tear and shouldn't affect the battery warranty. The concern arises only if there's significant impact damage to the battery pack or signs of tampering. It's always a good idea to get any major underbody hit inspected and documented by the authorised service centre.

•14w•

I am bit confused between XEV 9s and 7xo ...want to do long trip ...is it possible with ev ???

•14w•
Creta owner · 19,800 km

@alok.7 How many long trips do you typically do in a year?

More posts on similar cars

•1d

I am interested in the Citroen C5 Aircross and currently have an opportunity to buy a 2024/2025 model that is still unsold and available at a substantial discount. I am aware of the car’s strengths, which is why I am considering owning one. However, I have some concerns about long-term ownership. The new-generation C5 Aircross is already available in Europe, while the current-generation model sold in India has been discontinued. I am looking at keeping the car for 10 years or more, so my main concern is whether Citroen will be able to provide parts and after-sales support for the C5 Aircross over the long term, especially since it is a CKD model. Citroen already has a relatively small service network in India, and not all technicians may have experience working on the C5 Aircross. If parts are no longer available locally, will Citroen India be able to source them from France or other markets in the long term? I am willing to bear a higher cost for parts if necessary, but I would not want the car to eventually become unusable simply because essential parts are no longer available. I am quite confused about whether to go ahead with this purchase. I would appreciate your advice based on the current facts and Stellantis’ plans for Citroen in India, particularly regarding long-term parts availability and support for discontinued models.

Verified
•21h

If you love the Citroen C5 Aircross and are getting a substantial discount, it can still be a good buy, but your concerns are valid. Citroen is legally required to support the car with parts for at least 10 years after production ends, and more complex parts can be sourced from France, even if it takes time; however, since the C5 is an SKD model assembled in India, most wear-and-tear parts should be available here. The bigger issue is Citroen's limited service network and inconsistent technician expertise, which can make ownership frustrating if you are not near a strong dealership. You are prepared for the extra costs, but it will also require a bit more patience, but if you're prepared for that, the C5 Aircross remains a genuinely comfortable and refined SUV. If you are worried about long-term support, a more mainstream alternative like the new Kia Sorento may be the safer long-term ownership bet.

VehicleCitroen C5 Aircross
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Popular discussions right now

•6d

Hi, I want to buy my last car as I am 66 years old. I have been driving a Honda City for the last 12 years without any major hiccup. The Honda City engine and its reliability is excellent although its ground clearance is an issue. I have looked at Elevate and given its ground clearance as an SUV, I am impressed although the issues on E20 and abrupt blending issues are surely technical issues. Windsor EV was a great test drive but all controls on screen could be a bottleneck for me at my age and am planning to move to an automatic. Please recommend as experts. My monthly running will not be more than 500 km. Should I also look at Seltos. I will appreciate a feedback from experts. I want a reliable, easy to drive car with low maintenance cost and good family value with. There won't be any great pick ups or many highway drives will not be there.

Verified
•6d

Given your 12 years of trouble free City ownership, the Elevate is the most natural replacement. It retains Honda’s simple 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, adds substantially better ground clearance and gives you the easier ingress and SUV driving position you liked. The CVT is also very well suited to your low speed, low running usage and should make the transition to an automatic easy.On your E20 concern, we would not treat it as a reason to avoid the Elevate. Honda says all its cars manufactured in India since January 2009 are E20 material compatible, and the current Elevate is officially certified for E20. Honda also says E20 should not cause durability concerns or require any component changes. There can be a marginal reduction in fuel economy because ethanol contains less energy than petrol, but with your 500km monthly running, that is unlikely to be significant.The Seltos is worth a look, particularly if you want a more feature rich and premium cabin, but given your priorities of reliability, easy driving, low maintenance and long term ownership, the Elevate fits your requirements more naturally. The Windsor EV is also an interesting option, but at just 500km a month, there is little financial reason to move to an EV, especially when you have concerns about its touchscreen heavy interface.

VehicleHonda City
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Posted on: 18 Jun 2026