[speedguy]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Respectfully, whats the market size for a 4WD SUV? Is it large enough? Will enough people bite, that's the question. Let this catch on, the 4X4s will come eventually

Absolutely. I've also posted similar views somewhere earlier. Barring few petrolheads, nobody gives a second thought for 4WD.
And in my opinion, it is pure gimmick. Tell me honestly, how many of us go for a serious off-roading expeditions? At best 3% to 5%? Do we really need 4WD in metro cities? My heart says 4WD, but brain says 2WD will suffice, which is cost effective and one less system to fail

[extreme_torque]

The moment I saw the Tata Safari being missed video by Tata Motors I knew Gravitas will be launched as Safari. There is a hint of Safari third windows in the Gravitas. As for it not being a four wheel drive to be called Safari, please remember a massive majority of Safari's sold were indeed 2 wheel drives. Same is the case with Scorpio as well and Fortuner etc etc

[nainan]

Originally Posted by hydraulicsteer

In my opinion a smarter branding approach would have been naming Harrier the Safari initially and then Gravitas with some surname say a Safari Luxe or a simpler Safari Plus.

I had wished they called the Harrier "Sierra" and the Gravitas "Safari" and bring back both icons to life. When I drove the manual Harrier for the first time it felt like a much more refined derivative of the Safari. I had gone expecting it to feel like the Compass but the car shows its DNA. I cannot wait to reclaim my life now.

And the Harrier/Gravitas platform isnt made for a AWD or 4x4

Believe me it is with a proper transmission tunnel and extensive space for a rear differential. All the fuss is about a twist beam rear suspension.

[Sebring]

If you read this interview 4X4 is definitely in the offing
https://www.autocarindia.com/car-new...-safari-419572

[condor]

Originally Posted by Sebring

If you read this interview 4X4 is definitely in the offing
https://www.autocarindia.com/car-new...-safari-419572

Doesnt say much, and to add a pinch of salt, it is from an auto mag.

Even if it did, the Safari name for the Harrier based Gravitas wont cut it. I hope they dont dilute the Safari brand for the Harrier based Gravitas.

And the Harrier/Gravitas platform isnt made for a AWD or 4x4.

[Singh101]

This is what probably went down at Tata motors:

*Intern runs in, out of breath*

Intern: Sir, the newest detailed spyshots of the Mahindra Scorpio are out!

Senior: Oh?

I: Yes, sir. And it looks good. Looks like it's going to be another runaway success for them after the Thar.

S: Well, good. Make sure we have some cool lighting and possibly a celeb or two for the Gravitas launch.

I: Very well, sir.

S: Wait! What if we..use the Safari name instead of Gravitas?

I: What?

S: *rubbing hands together* Yes, yes. How about we use the Safari name and invoke some nostalgia? The Scorpio and Safari used to compete back then after all, it fits!

I: S-s-sir? The Gravitas is nothing like the Safari.

S: Oh, come on. *tilts head* It kinda looks like it if you squint and look at it from..here.

I: Our marketing team has spent months peppering forums with the Gravitas name though.

S: Hmm. How quickly can y'all put together a touchy-feely montage of the Safari?

I: I dunno. Half an hour, maybe?

S: *table-fist!* Approved! Go do it. Make two.

I: Sir, I don't think it's a good i-

S: Also, make sure it seems it's not a last minute idea.

I: I..will try.

[aKrain]

Originally Posted by condor

Doesnt say much, and to add a pinch of salt, it is from an auto mag.

Even if it did, the Safari name for the Harrier based Gravitas wont cut it. I hope they dont dilute the Safari brand for the Harrier based Gravitas.

And the Harrier/Gravitas platform isnt made for a AWD or 4x4.

You may not like it but it is already on Tata Motors' website:

https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/safari

[Thumping Soul]

Oh My! Its arriving this month! Here's the latest from Tata Motors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crJ0Xm7AmK8

[nax04]

It's now more than confirmed that Safari is coming back in form of 7 seater Harrier version!

Since it is based on OMEGARC platform, is it feasible to fit in a 4x4 system without much of a design change?

Will Tata price this one more competitive way to win back old Safari loyalists?

I think it will be a good wait an watch scenario!

[Mat095]

Kinda saw this coming after the Safari tribute. This one was like those Scooby Doo episodes where we thought it’s a Gravitas and then they reveal that it’s actually the new Safari!

P.S: the size fits the name, I’m just happy it’s back!

[abhisheksircar]

www.gomechanic.in/blog/tata-safari-evolution/

An article from 15June2020 did see Gravitas to be a gradual evolution or replacement of the last generation Tata Safari. So I don't think it was last moment but they kept it for the last moment as a nostalgic reconnect.

From 1998 to 2021, if Safari would have actual worthy updates, I would not be surprised to see the Safari evolve to the Gravitas. Better architecture, modern interface. And hopefully a potential off-roader with even a 4x2 for now and an AWD for the smaller section of enthusiasts for later.

Tata Safari. Glad that they did not let the legend die.

I think we should go easy. Atleast it's not a Baleno !

[Gixxy.danger]

Originally Posted by nax04

Will Tata price this one more competitive way to win back old Safari loyalists?

I think it will be a good wait an watch scenario!

The purists/loyalists might have already moved on to the Endeavour/Fortuner. This is more to attract the people who are upgrading from the C-SUV segment. I believe it's a great replacement.

[v_safari]

Oh my god !!
How can this be ?
This is a total last minute name change before the launch.
I myself own a Safari Storme, and am unable to digest this.
A FWD full size SUV.

I have no hard feelings against the Harrier, it does look good, but its still a FWD.
Safari name states, ruggedness, go anywhere attitude.

As some people stated earlier, how many times we go hardcore offroading?
True, not much, but we do travel to off-beat locations, and when you get stuck, a 4x4 will get you out of there, pull you at steep elevations, no roads/slush whatever, and that day you'd feel the extra money paid JUSTIFIED !!

I'm happy about the name SAFARI resurrected, but this one is Harrier FWD elongated !!

I want to be wrong, maybe it will grow on me. Let's wait and watch what comes out on launch day.
Enough has been said about the Harrier too, and how it had to have a AWD/4x4, lets hope and wish we get 4x4 from launch with the new SAFARI !!
Good Luck to TATA.

My current garage:
2013 Safari Storme
2009 Chevrolet Beat
2019 Tata Nexon AMT

[Guru_GPS]

Originally Posted by Cessna182

Too much is being made out of a social media post. This is Tata. They didn't care about the Safari when it was in production. They won't care now. This might just be a post to gain views.

Also I am having a strong hunch they might even launch the 7-seater Gravitas as Safari, or as a special variant. Anything can happen with them.

EDIT: Mods, please delete my post, I am feeling sheepish after posting my words without going through to the last post.

[SahilS]

The link for safari is already up on tatamotors website: https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/safari

Also, on a lighter node