Last Updated: April 13, 2023, 10:02 IST
2023 Tata Safari Facelift will rival Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector Plus (Photo: Anvay Sheolikar Instagram)
Tata Motors Readies Harrier and Safari Facelifts to Take on XUV700, Scorpio-N, and MG Hector
As the competition heats up in the Indian SUV market with the entry of XUV700, Scorpio-N, and new MG Hector, Tata Motors is all set to up the ante. The company has already introduced several advanced features in its Harrier and Safari models, including ADAS, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a new TFT instrument cluster, and over 200 voice commands in 6 languages. And there’s more to come with the facelift versions of the Harrier and Safari, which are expected to debut later this year.
Also Read: 2023 Tata Harrier Facelift to Feature New 1.5L TGDi Petrol Engine and ADAS Technology
Recently, the Harrier and Safari facelifts were spotted on road tests in Pune, giving us a glimpse of what’s to come. Thanks to automotive enthusiast Anvay Sheolikar for sharing these exclusive spy shots. The Tata SUVs were joined by the XUV700, which is likely being used for benchmarking purposes.
Although heavily camouflaged, some exterior details of the Harrier and Safari facelifts are evident. The test mule can be seen with a trapezoidal-shaped, vertically stacked headlamp and fog lamp housing, which appears to be almost the same as that of Harrier EV. The new housing for the lighting is sleeker and more futuristic. The front grille and bumper section also seem to be similar to Harrier EV, with a top-mounted, full-width LED strip expected to be added. The side profile remains largely the same, but the test mule is equipped with a new set of alloy wheels. The rear updates could include new tail lamps and an interconnecting LED light bar.
To compete with rivals like XUV700, Scorpio-N, and MG Hector, the Harrier and Safari facelifts need to offer some best-in-class and segment-first features, rather than just matching their offerings. It is possible that the facelifts could get a new range of ADAS features and some new safety kit additions.
One area where Harrier and Safari seem to be lacking is the absence of a petrol engine option. Both models are currently powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor, generating 170 PS of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. In comparison, rivals like XUV700, Scorpio-N, and MG Hector have both diesel and petrol powertrains.
It is possible that the Harrier and Safari facelifts could get a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor that Tata showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. It churns out 170 PS and 280 Nm and comes with both manual and automatic transmission choices. With the option of petrol, Tata should be able to reduce the starting price of Harrier and Safari, offering consumers a chance to save up to Rs 1 lakh with the petrol variants. This move could give a boost to the sales of Harrier and Safari.
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