Can a 1.5-Litre Petrol engine do justice to the Tata Safari?

For the Tata Safari, the introduction of a brand-new petrol engine is a significant moment. And here’s why. Until now, the Safari has been exclusively diesel-powered. With the arrival of the 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, albeit in a different state of tune from the one we first encountered in the Tata Sierra, the story takes an intriguing turn. But it also raises an important question: for an SUV that is longer, wider, taller, and heavier than the Sierra, is a 1.5-litre petrol engine truly sufficient? We recently drove the new Tata Safari Petrol in Faridabad, and here’s our take.

Our test vehicle arrived in the much-admired Carbon Black colour, wearing the aptly named “Red Dark” trim. As the name suggests, red accents play a significant role here, and they’re impossible to miss. From the highlights above the fog lamps to the bold Safari lettering on the tailgate, the bright red detailing is undeniably eye-catching.

The 19-inch alloy wheels suit the Safari’s proportions perfectly, eliminating any real need for an upgrade, and as a final flourish, even the brake calipers are finished in red.

Step inside, and for a brief moment, the dramatic red interior might remind you of the Moulin Rouge. Thankfully, it’s a rich, tasteful red rather than anything overdone.

The quilted seats, powered for both front occupants, with memory function for the driver, are generously sized and exceptionally comfortable (with good padding at the back), even for larger adults, making them ideal for long-distance journeys.

Red accents extend to finer details such as the door handles, reinforcing the sense that you’re seated in a genuinely special “Red Dark” edition, complete with thoughtful embellishments exclusive to the Red Dark variant.

While the new Hyperion petrol engine is undoubtedly the headline act (more on that shortly), one of the standout technological features is the digital IRVM, first seen on the Harrier.ev and now available on the Safari Petrol as well. This clever piece of tech doubles up as a dash cam while also providing a live camera feed of everything happening behind the vehicle. The effect is truly impressive and futuristic, though it does take some getting used to, especially for drivers accustomed to conventional IRVMs. The wide field of view can feel slightly overwhelming at first, so a cautionary approach is advised until it becomes second nature to your driving.

Dominating the dashboard is a large 14-inch Samsung QLED touchscreen, through which you can access and control a wide array of vehicle settings. Visibility of the screen is excellent, even under harsh midday sunlight, as we experienced once the morning fog lifted.

Further, complementing the interior is a wide selection of ambient lighting options, allowing you to tailor the cabin’s mood to your liking should you further wish to elevate the sense of occasion.

Powering the Safari Petrol is the 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre (1498 cc), Hyperion TGDI engine, paired with an Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission (a 6-speed manual is also available) which produces 170 PS @ 5,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque @ 2,000-3,500 rpm.

From the first few kilometres itself, the engine impresses with its refinement and linear power delivery, though it is faintly audible within the cabin. One can’t help but wonder if additional under-bonnet insulation, something Citroën does exceptionally well on vehicles such as the C5 Aircross, could further suppress engine noise. At cruising speeds of around 80–90 kmph, the cabin remains largely serene. It’s only beyond the 100 kmph mark, under harder acceleration, that the engine makes its presence felt more clearly.

That said, the Hyperion engine does its job commendably. Overtaking manoeuvres are handled with ease, and the Safari moves from point A to point B smoothly and confidently. While the enthusiast in me would have welcomed a larger-displacement engine better suited to the Safari’s imposing stature, the truth is that it would inevitably push prices northwards, making it, for now, a distant dream. As it stands, the Hyperion is a sophisticated petrol motor that is bound to find favour with petrol enthusiasts.

The gearbox deserves special mention for its seamless, near-imperceptible shifts.

With three drive modes, City, Eco, and Sport, along with terrain modes such as Normal, Wet, and Rough, the Safari delivers a genuinely versatile SUV experience, now in petrol form. Paddle shifters are also on offer, should you wish to take manual control of the SUV and make your drive more engaging.

On the road, the Safari Petrol impresses with excellent overall visibility, thanks to all that large glass area, a surprisingly tight turning radius, and minimal body roll for an SUV of its size. Being around 80 kg lighter than its diesel counterpart certainly contributes to its improved agility.

Confidence is further boosted by disc brakes on all four wheels, which bring this sizeable SUV to a halt with reassuring effectiveness. Ride quality remains a strength, with the 205 mm ground clearance and well-tuned suspension ensuring a pliant ride and comfortable experience, even over broken surfaces.

In terms of safety, the Tata Safari Petrol upholds the same exceptional standards as its diesel counterpart, boasting a prestigious 5-star safety rating. Additionally, it comes equipped with a host of safety features as seen on the diesel variant as well as an extensive array of Level 2 ADAS features, further underscoring Tata’s unwavering commitment to occupant protection and advanced safety technologies.

In summary, the Tata Safari Petrol establishes itself as a sophisticated SUV. With its refined performance, robust features, and the addition of petrol power, it significantly enhances the appeal of the Safari, catering to a wider range of people and their driving preferences.