Need a BS-6 Diesel AT SUV in Delhi-NCR: Is the Safari a worthy choice?

31.5 lakhs on road is expensive for a Tata, but then there are all the bells and whistles on offer.

BHPian ank_bhp recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

2023 is coming to an end with many things in mind a dilemma stuck too.

Writing this on behalf of my brother who is a regular reader to Team-BHP website.

Thus need your inputs! Let's start

The Question: My brother's currently daily driver is a Skoda Rapid TDI AT clocked almost 1,70,000 kms in a decade.

As per Delhi Transport Department rule says any diesel car which is 10 years old shall not ply in NCR. So our beloved, humble German car will no longer be of use. So what next?

The Requirement:Replacement car should tick following boxes:

• Diesel Automatic
• High Ground clearance (To tackle bad roads)
• Panoramic sunroof (Obviously)
• Decent average (50-70 Kms daily running)
• Something SUV'ish.

The Options: Jeep Meridian Limited (O) AT, Jeep Compass Limited (O)AT, Pre-Owned Mercedes GLA 220D, Pre-Owned BMW X1 Diesel or a 2023 Tata Harrier Dark Fearless AT.

Jeep Meridian Limited (O) AT: Meridian is a nice car, feature loaded car no doubt in that just few things odd primarily hefty price tag . 42.5 Lakhs on road considering the Meridian is just a Jeep Compass with 2 additional seats.

Thus ruled out.

Jeep Compass Limited (O) AT: Compass is again great product but really liked half of the car specially front and interior, once at rear (screams for facelift) things have not change since initial launch 2017. Thus ruled out.

Tata Harrier Dark Fearless AT: 2023 Tata Harrier is such a looker from any angle and ticks the above boxes. But few things feels like they have not put together for eg: Roof lamp switches have a strange 90's spring clank sound to it. Steering vibrations at idling, full lock steering wheel to either side and the vibration increases even more.

Likes: Tried and tested Fiat's 2.0 Multi-jet diesel does the duty coupled with Hyundai's torque converter things are pretty reliable on that front compared to German's cumbersome TDI and DSG pair.

31.5 lakhs on road is expensive for a Tata, but then there are all the bells and whistle on offer.

The Dilemma: Does it make sense spending 30+ lakhs on Tata!

Even though they (Tata Motors) are updating Harrier very frequently to keep it in good shape with the market since its initial launch, or should look for the Hybrid twins for mileage concerns over diesel. Or should buy pre-owned luxury cars like Merc GLA 220D or a BMW X1 Diesel.

Here's what BHPian PrasadS had to say on the matter:

Why not consider the Slavia? I think it'll tick most boxes and still be same/better in some departments like Rapid.

Slavia Pro's:

• Petrol instead of Diesel - Since it'll be in Delhi, we don't know the future of Diesel so why risk it?
• High ground clearance: Slavia has that covered
• Sunroof : Although not panaromic it has one.
• Average: is good due to cylinder deactivation tech(source: Forum Slavia thread)
• SUV’ish : Not, but ample space due to boot + sedan comfort.

Btw, I'm a 2017 Rapid TDI manual owner. I contemplate a lot about my next move, but man she makes me smile every time i drive and the thought goes away

Here's what BHPian ex-innova-guy had to say on the matter:

Considering you are in Delhi, preowned BS3/4 Diesel vehicles are surely not ideal.

• The hybrid twins you mentioned in later posts would get you from A to B with not much fun.
• If you are considering the Harrier why not take a TD of the XUV700 too? Has got most of the features and niggles are more or less sorted.
• Wildcard- Seltos Diesel. It is a fantastic value for money car.

Here's what BHPian vishy76 had to say on the matter:

I think a pre-owned Tiguan TDI will fit your use case just fine.

• 200mm of ground clearance
• Fuel economy in the city is around 10-12 and on the highways, easily goes upto 18-19
• Also has AWD a standard
• Highline gets a pano sunroof

A better option would be the Kodiaq, but I couldn't find well kept examples within my budget.

The only thing you might miss is the sheer performance of the 1.5 TDI in the lighter Rapid. The Tiguan is a lot heavier and makes around 40hp and 80-90 nm more. The DSG also feels sluggish at low speeds. Test drive a used example and see if you like it.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.