Tata Safari 2.2 VTT RIPPED (Read post #94 before adding a TD report)

[dadu]

Do you have any updates or still reeling under that hangover

Originally Posted by turbanman

Anyways will be at the Taj tonight and get the lowdown from the top-dogs on delivery schedules.

Cheers,

t

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by reachmash

Samurai,

Sorry to bother you again with my other silly question. As I have booked 3.0 EX 4x2 last month, should I go with 3.0 or 2.2.

Considering I have not done TD of 2.2L, I am not the right person to advise. I am going for 2.2L myself, that's all I can say.

Originally Posted by reachmash

so, If I go for 2.2 LX 4x2 trip what difference it makes. I think I can live with Rear Demister and Roof mounted A/C, but not sure about the engine immobilizer can it be fitted outside?

I can put ICE, Fogs, Art Leather outside which would improve the trucks feature.

please advice

LX is a bare bones model. If you are OK with it, and it fits into your budget, then it should be fine. Frankly it is a matter of personal taste and budget.

[itwasntme]

Guys,

Went over to a TATA dealer in Bangalore to see the 2.2. They have a Cycus Grey EX model on display and I was absolutely bowled over by the sheer road presence and looks! Both my wife and I looked at each other and mouthed a determined 'Yes'!

Anyway, some thoughts and questions :-) I have tried to factor in all the answers posted earlier but do forgive me for any repeats. I am keen to get some info prior to my planned TD over the weekend. Need it to budget the total cost!!

QUESTION 1.
Our usage will be limited to about 500km in Bangalore city with a few highway jaunts thrown in (maybe 2 per year?). Do I definitely need to change tyres from the stock tubed (for LX) Bridgestone Duellers 235/70/R16? I got some prices from Bangalore tyre dealers and the extra costs involved (after exchange) in switching to say, Michelin Latitude Tour HPs are Rs. 14,000 (for 235/70/R16) and Rs. 23,000 (for 255/65/R16).

QUESTION 2.
I definitely don't need 4X4 and can't afford it anyway. So should I go for the EX 4X2 or the LX?

Bangalore OTR prices (with extended warranty of 24+24 months) are Rs. 850,893 for the LX (only 4X2 available) and Rs. 9,90,666 for the EX (4X2). Thus the difference is a staggering Rs. 1,50,000!

From poring over the specs these seem to be the differences and my comments against each:

A. Roof mounted rear AC - didn't quite like the looks and think it makes the spacious interior/greenhouse effect look quite cramped; Also not sure about the dual front and rear throws. Do I really want cold hair directly on my thinning hair :-)?
B. Front and rear fog lamps - Will consider fixing to the LX if TATA sells it at a reasonable price. Are the front fogs really useful or merely ornamental?
C. Beige interiors (EX) as opposed to gray (LX). They had a new 3.0 being delivered so could compare both the interiors. Frankly liked the gray finish better as it suits the image much more. Beige is a fad as of now and is better suited to the cleaner environs of the West. Here in Bangalore, if I drive for a month with the windows down, the beige will turn to brown! It DOES make the interior look more airier and 'lighter' though. General quality of plastics bits/dash/door inserts etc is exactly the same and definitely lower than the current crop of sedans/SUVs. But can live with that.
C. CD/MP3 Player - didn't like the EX stock HU and am more than prepared to spend on a better HU and 4/6 speakers for a LX.
D. Electrically operated fuel flap - Salesman was unsure on this: I assume that the LX will come with a manually operated (lever) filler cap? Or is it a key-operated cap? Anyway, I feel with the cheats at nearly all Bangalore petrol bunks, it is essential anyway to stand right next to the attendant when filling up fuel with one's eyes glued to the meter!
E. Remote locking - Salesman was unsure on this: I assume LX comes with key-operated central locking; only thing to be added is the keyless feature for a nominal cost.
F. Height adjustable driver's seat - Probably not needed as I am about 5' 11" and could see quite well. Also the steering wheel is adjustable for rake (I think) so should not be an issue.
G. Rear wash/wipe/demister - Think TATA are unduly skimping here - they should have offered at least the wiper feature anyhow on the LX. But not a showstopper. Can we buy aftermarket elements to do the same job? Also does the relatively high-mounted vertical rear glass need a wiper except in heavy rain? Won't a careful cleaning and treatment of the glass with a specialized liquid solve the issue before any highway etc drives? Also, can one really see a lot through the IRVM given the spare wheel :-)?
H. Clock missing on LX: Simple, take left hand of steering and look at the time :-)
I. Tubeless tyres - Will probably change (depending on the expert views above) but tubed tyres should be good enough anyway.
J. Immobilizer - Can I fit aftermarket and/or can I accomplish almost the same with a reputed gearlock etc?
K. Front grill only in gray - Can retrofit EX grill if I want to.
L. Center console in silver as opposed to cubic printed - can live with same.
M. BUMPERS & SIDE CLADDING - This is up for discussion as of now. We are aiming for a Quartz Black LX so will the grey look better or should we paint the same from the dealer. I feel that the body coloured ones make the vehicle 'too black' and increases the pain everytime some nut in a Sumo/Indica/bike/auto scratches it. Have asked for a estimate but believe (from past T-BHP posts) that it will be about 12 to 15k from any Bangalore TATA dealer.

So to bring the LX near to the EX's specs and as per my personal calculations/preferences, I will need to spend approximately the following:

A. 5k for remote keyless locking; (Present on EX);
B. 5k (?) for a good gearlock; (May have opted for on EX itself - I park on unguarded road while at office);
C. 15k for a reasonable HU + 4/6 speakers; (May have opted for on EX too - did not like the looks of the HU);
D. 15k for painting body cladding/ORVMs/bumpers (Present on EX);
E. 5k. Sunfilm - 3M/Llumar brand only (Would have need for EX too)

So total of around 30k from A, B, C & E above. Is paying 150k over the LX for the EX (4X2) worth it then?

Comments please?!
ItWasntMe

[theMAG]

Originally Posted by dadu

Is this open to other BHPians too joining the TD, if yes, please provide time/location, thanks.

Sorry, I missed this post. Of course all are welcome. I'll let you know the time in a while, the place is most likely Manipal Motors on Sankey Road, Guttahalli.

[dadu]

If you dont need the additional features, you dont need to pay and go for the LX, you will be able to get the rest of the needed accessories done from outside but the most important IMO is the immobilizer which cannot be fitted from outside since it has to work with the ECU, although you might be able to find a lot of high end security devices in the market.

[Samurai]

I would have considered LX if it had 4x4, but I ain't buying no SUV with no 4x4, capice?

[itwasntme]

Guys,

Has anyone noticed that the published length of the 3.0 was 4810mm while that of the 2.2 is 4650mm. For some reason, the spare wheel has not been included in the overall length. Does this mean that TATA are actively considering a V2 of the 2.2 ( ) with a modified rear floor/door?

Or is only a typo? The printed brochures show 4650mm in the table of specifications but 4810mm in the illustration at the bottom of the page!

ItWasntMe

Originally Posted by turbanman

Hey JUDA,

I will ask about the spare wheel...but just to add my two cents...since all the print/TV ads show the current Safari with the wheel at the back chances are that any and all other new changes will be part of the Next Gen Safari V2 (2009) and beyond model.

t

In an ideal world I have to fully agree with you Samurai! But fact is that TATA will probably never offer 4X4 in the LX as it will eat away at both the EX and VX's sales. And I am loathe to pay a premium of 243k between the LX and the EX 4X4 for the precious few times I will use the feature!

But considering my limited offroad use and limited budget, I will definitely be forced to go for the 4X2s. The way I console myself is that at least the traction and gradeability will be much better than any sedan although the sheer pavement-crumbling weight is definitely a limiting factor!

Originally Posted by Samurai

I would have considered LX if it had 4x4, but I ain't buying no SUV with no 4x4, capice?

[reachmash]

ItWasntMe

E. Remote locking - Salesman was unsure on this: I assume LX comes with key-operated central locking; only thing to be added is the keyless feature for a nominal cost.

just got off from the phone with my dealer contact, its confirmed that LX Trim comes with manual central locking, so keyless entry is possible.

J. Immobilizer - Can I fit aftermarket and/or can I accomplish almost the same with a reputed gearlock etc?

my contact says, there seems a possibility to have this for an approx cost of 8 - 10K, as some other customers are also asking for the same. however, he will give me the confirmation after he checks with the workshop. I think, it this can be done, its a good choice to to opt, I am now more inclined towards LX 2.2 Trim, so moving the booking amount paid for 3.0 latest by tomorrow.

[JUDA]

Gentlemen, as we all are interacting with Dealers, Sales guys fortunate few are with Tata bosses too [Turby you listening], any news on what the sales strategy would be on Diwali, any discounts sighting the Scorpio2.2 release at that time? I am sure the sales guys wont speak however any insider news on this? Would be interesting as all the dealers till last week did not acknowledge the LX been released however now they say that it is released but would be delivered near Diwali. I had a feeling that Tata's are going to use the LX as a trump card to beat the Scorpio 2.2L at the pricing game! Your thoughts?

[turbanman]

Ok have just slumbered out of bed and yes head feels like a ton of bricks.

So there was smoke, music and "babes" but no delivery date yet. They threw the Dussera Delivery googly my way which was shot over the fence for six by showing them the Toyota Dealers number on my fast dial key.

Coming more to the point last night was ok. A short presentation about all the benefits of the 2.2 and pretty much the same as the brochure.

One interesting point made by the TATA guy was that the 3.0 will remain as an option in the future on a made to order basis.

No talk of the spare wheel going away under the body. In fact in all the print material the "NEW" Wheel cover is an important element stuck on to the "4X4" emblem. So if they were planning to do away with it as some people are suggesting why would they make it such a big deal???

Will keep you guys posted as things develop.

t

Originally Posted by dadu

Do you have any updates or still reeling under that hangover

[power ranger]

[quote=itwasntme;590325]Guys,

Went over to a TATA dealer in Bangalore to see the 2.2. They have a Cycus Grey EX model on display and I was absolutely bowled over by the sheer road presence and looks! Both my wife and I looked at each other and mouthed a determined 'Yes'!

Anyway, some thoughts and questions :-) I have tried to factor in all the answers posted earlier but do forgive me for any repeats. I am keen to get some info prior to my planned TD over the weekend. Need it to budget the total cost!!

QUESTION 1.
Our usage will be limited to about 500km in Bangalore city with a few highway jaunts thrown in (maybe 2 per year?). Do I definitely need to change tyres from the stock tubed (for LX) Bridgestone Duellers 235/70/R16? I got some prices from Bangalore tyre dealers and the extra costs involved (after exchange) in switching to say, Michelin Latitude Tour HPs are Rs. 14,000 (for 235/70/R16) and Rs. 23,000 (for 255/65/R16).

QUESTION 2.
I definitely don't need 4X4 and can't afford it anyway. So should I go for the EX 4X2 or the LX?

Bangalore OTR prices (with extended warranty of 24+24 months) are Rs. 850,893 for the LX (only 4X2 available) and Rs. 9,90,666 for the EX (4X2). Thus the difference is a staggering Rs. 1,50,000!

Hello itwasntme,
You are perfectly right. I own a Dicor Ex and find that LX is better value for money. Do not waste money on alloys and stuff like that. The original wheels are very good and strong and quite good looking. The back AC is not an absolute necessity - go for a darker sun film.
Also, in India ( in Bangalore) you do not need the rear demister offered on EX. Please do not get carried away by others. The grey interiors are better suited for India.
The only thing you should consider is tubeless tyres for safety. But, I presume the 2.2 comes with tubeless even in LX. Otherwise, exchanging the Duellers for tubeless Duellers will cost only 5000 bucks.
Do not try to retrofit anything as much as possible, you will not need immobilizer, back AC etc.

[dadu]

I didnt get their strategy, they have the vehicles to sell in-stock, already launched, but will not sell ...why ???

Originally Posted by turbanman

So there was smoke, music and "babes" but no delivery date yet. They threw the Dussera Delivery googly my way which was shot over the fence for six by showing them the Toyota Dealers number on my fast dial key.

I can understand the AC part but since when has India become so safe that people dont want to get an Immobilizer, IMO all cars should have it. You need to protect your investment.

Originally Posted by power ranger

Do not try to retrofit anything as much as possible, you will not need immobilizer, back AC etc.

[himanshugoswami]

I paid 4.5 k for upgrade to bridgestone duellers tubeless and the michilens were quoted for 6 k

[kpzen]

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami

I paid 4.5 k for upgrade to bridgestone duellers tubeless and the michilens were quoted for 6 k

You mean, u had Apollo's and got them exchanged for Bridgestone Duellers ?? Or am i missing something here??


Suman
I'm waiting for your Safari 2.2 TD report.

[suman]

Originally Posted by kpzen

You mean, u had Apollo's and got them exchanged for Bridgestone Duellers ?? Or am i missing something here??

I think he got himself a 3.0L so he would have got Tubed tyres which he upgraded to tubeless....

Originally Posted by kpzen

Suman
I'm waiting for your Safari 2.2 TD report.

Ya, am waiting myself - somehow not motivated enought yet!

Actually I thought Doctorkats posted a pretty comprehensive picture so was dragging my feet - but one of these days I guess!