Tata Motors has officially introduced the petrol-powered version of its flagship Safari SUV in the Indian market, marking a significant expansion of its popular three-row offering. The launch, which happened concurrently with the petrol Tata Harrier, ends the long wait for buyers seeking a petrol-powered alternative in this segment. The Tata Safari petrol range now starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹13.29 lakh and goes all the way up to ₹25.19 lakh.
A New Heart for the Flagship: The Hyperion Turbo-Petrol Engine
Under the hood of the new Safari petrol lies the same 1.5-litre Hyperion turbocharged petrol engine that debuted in the Tata Sierra and also powers the Harrier petrol. Tata Motors states that this power unit was developed with a clear three-pillar philosophy: hyper-performance for power and acceleration, hyper-tech for advanced fuel efficiency and responsiveness, and hyper-quiet for superior refinement by reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. This strategy aims to deliver a driving experience that is powerful, intelligent, and smooth.
The engine is capable of producing 168 bhp of peak power and 280 Nm of peak torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As with its diesel sibling, the Safari petrol remains a front-wheel-drive vehicle. This new petrol option now gives customers the freedom to choose between diesel and petrol powertrains, significantly broadening the SUV's appeal.
Finding the Best Value: The Tata Safari Petrol Pure X Trim
While value for money is subjective, a close look at the feature list across variants reveals a strong contender. For a large number of buyers, the Pure X trim of the Tata Safari petrol emerges as the most balanced and value-packed option.
Priced at ₹16.41 lakh for the manual and ₹17.91 lakh for the automatic (ex-showroom), the Pure X variant is loaded with modern amenities. Key exterior features include Bi-LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is dominated by dual 10.25-inch HD screens for the driver's display and the Harman touchscreen infotainment system.
It also boasts a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree HD surround view camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and fully automatic temperature control. Safety is comprehensive with six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Corner Stability Control, all-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and cruise control. The automatic variant additionally gets paddle shifters for a more engaging drive.
What Makes Pure X a Standout Choice?
The Pure X trim successfully bridges the gap between essential and desirable features. It offers the full LED lighting package, key convenience items like electrically adjustable ORVMs, and the digitized cabin experience with the dual screens. The inclusion of advanced safety tech like six airbags and ESP across both manual and automatic options is a significant plus. When combined with the choice of transmissions for the new turbo-petrol engine, the Pure X variant presents a compelling package that justifies its price point for feature-seeking Indian families.
The launch of the Safari petrol is a strategic move by Tata Motors to capture a wider audience in the competitive three-row SUV space. By offering a refined petrol engine packed with technology and identifying strong value-oriented trims like the Pure X, Tata aims to strengthen the Safari's position as a versatile and desirable family vehicle.
