Tata Safari facelift: new spy shots show fresh design cues

Tata Motors has begun testing the majorly updated Safari that’s due later this year, and camouflaged test mules have been spotted on our roads once again. The upcoming Tata Safari facelift will take design inspiration from the Harrier EV concept that was previewed at Auto Expo earlier this year. A majorly overhauled interior along with a new turbo-petrol engine under the hood is also expected to be on the cards.

1. Safari facelift to borrow design cues from Harrier EV concept
2. New 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine could join the line-up at a later stage
3. Price announcement expected around Diwali this year

Tata Safari facelift exterior design updates

With the facelift, the Tata Safari will have a completely redesigned front fascia. It will retain a split LED headlamp set-up, but the upper LED DRL will be a full-width light bar stretching across the bonnet. Meanwhile, the main headlamp cluster in the bumper below is now vertically positioned with a new trapezoidal shape. This means the bumper itself has been completely redesigned, while the grille gets new horizontal slats.

There aren’t major changes in profile, however, the Safari facelift can be seen with camouflaged wheels, which means there could be a new design for the alloys. At the rear, the SUV will likely get slimmer and connected LED tail-lamps, and a slightly tweaked rear bumper. These design updates will also make it to the ICE-powered Harrier facelift that’s also due later this year.

Tata Safari facelift interior and features

Although the interior of the Safari facelift has not been spied yet, we expect a major overhaul there too. Tata has already introduced the new 10.25-inch touchscreen on the Harrier and Safari with the Red Dark Edition, but we expect a few more changes to the dashboard design as well. Perhaps the new two-spoke steering wheel that was recently seen on the Nexon facelift test mule could also make it to the Safari facelift.

Tata Safari facelift powertrain

The Safari facelift will continue to be powered by its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 170hp and 350Nm of torque, mated to either 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Tata's new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which is currently under development could join the line-up at a later stage. 

Tata Safari facelift production, launch plan

As we recently reported, Tata Motors will start production of the Safari facelift at its Pimpri plant from September 2023, and a market launch could be expected by October 2023, just before Diwali. Upon launch, it will continue its rivalry with the likes of the 7-seat Mahindra XUV700, and the Hyundai Alcazar. 

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