Tata in turbo mode….
Tata will kickstart its assault against the slumping sales and its rivals with the new safari 2.2L DICOR. Tata along with its partner Fiat is planning 8 new models(not facelifted) within next one year. Safari 2.2L DICOR will be the first one to roll out from Tata’s arsenal. 2.2L , twin-cam 16-valve diesel engine which has already been launched in the export market and makes its India debut with the new Safari. Thogh the existing safari is spacious and priced competetively its lethargic and thirsty 3.0L engine, vague gearshift,use of cheap plastics and poor build quality hamper its sales. Also the presence of frugal tavera, stylish scorpio and much superior Toyota Innova makes the safari’s ride hard. Tata hopes to counter all these critiques by using much superior 2.2L engine. New 2.2L DICOR safari will also feature upmarket interiors with the use of improived plastics and seat fabrics. On the exterior changes will be made in front grille and bumper for the new safari.
responsive heart for the new safari:
3.0L engine which powers the current safari is being criticised for its narrow powerband (maximum power of 115bhp is generated at 3000rpm and turbo kicks in only at 2000rpm) which converts the driver has to change gears constantly in this 2000-3000rpm to keep the motor alive. This flip is worsened by the vague gearbox which refuses to shift into first and stubborn hydraulic clutch. The end result is the poor fuel efficiency(in the range of 8-10kmpl).
What the safari despartely needs is a more responsive and a more frugal powertrain. Tata will strap this new 2 .2L Dicor engine under the hood of the safari. Tata’s new 2.2L , 16 valve, VTT DICOR engine develops maximum power of 140hp at 4000rpm and healthy torque of 320Nm in the range of 1700 -2700 rpm. If these figures are reflected on the road, the new safari will give its rivals an axe. Tata has also refined the gearbox for the engine to be more responsive.
few cosmetic upgrades..
Though the new 2.2L safari has the same visual appeal, it has some significant changes.
*The new 2.2L safari is shortened by to 4650mm from 4810mm but thankfully cabin space has been retained. Safari is now equipped with reverse guide system to come over the rear visibility problem which is usually associated with large SUVs.
*New 2.2L safari features chevrolet type split grille and prominent Tata badge sits on that.
* new body coloured bumper for the 2.2L safari
* stylish hard new cover for the spare tyre and in the rear spoiler with integrated warning lamp in the new safari.
* Kerb weight in both the 2WD and 4WD is reduced. New 2.2L safari weighs 50 -75kg lesser than the 3.0L one.
*Tata safari’s ride has never been criticized but Tata has tweaked the suspension to faclitate better handling. Tata has also fitted the new safari with tubeless tyres.
* 2007 new safari also gets stylish new day and night instrument panel,wood finish center console, leather seats, two tone beige interiors and express-down power windows
*leather wrapped steering wheel and leather cladded gear knob for the higher variant of new safari.
*elegant scuff plates on all doors of the new safari
* new follow-me-home headlamps, which stay on for a bit(30seconds) after you’ve switched off the your safari. Helpful while remote locking.
* The new Safari Dicor sports a convenient feature for locating your car at night in parking lots. The remote unlocking operation brings on the roof light, which stays on for 5 seconds before fading out.
* The new safari gets two new colours: Cycus grey and Mountain green.
* The new Safari range comes with an improved warrenty of 2 years or 75,000 kms
price and the colours:
Though the engine size is reduced the new 2.2L safari is expected to be priced around 10lakhs. 2.2L safari Dicor will be available in nine exciting colours. Unless you are highly craze about Toyota’s build quality, here’s an SUV you have to take a test drive.
update: The new Safari is available in 3 engine options – 90ps Turbo Charged Inter-cooled (TCIC) Diesel, 140ps 2.2 Variable Turbine Technology (VTT) Diesel, and 127 PS, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) Petrol. The entry-level of 2.2 VTT offering is available at a price point of Rs 6.4 lakh and the high end version of the same model is available at Rs 7.33 lakh (both are ex-showroom Delhi). The top end version of the new spanking Safari has ABS, dual Airbags, reverse guide system and DVD/MP3 system with dual LCD screens as standard fitment. The new safari also meets crash safety norms of Europe.
official prices of the new safari:
For more visit www.safaridicor.com