FUTURE PROOF

The Tata Harrier and Safari go petrol, ushering in a more refined and future-ready chapter.

- By Kurt Morris Photographs Swapnil Dhawala

Sometimes, it takes nearly two decades for a nameplate to truly find its moment.

In the case of the Tata Safari, that moment feels like it has finally arrived again—this time with petrol power under the hood. Yes, the Safari did briefly experiment with a petrol engine back in the early 2000s, largely driven by regulations rather than intent. But this time around, things feel very different. The return of petrol power isn't a stopgap solution; it's a carefully considered move aimed at future-proofing Tata's flagship SUVs.

With tightening emission norms, shifting buyer preferences, and the looming uncertainty around diesel restrictions in major cities, Tata Motors' decision to introduce a petrol option for both the Harrier and Safari feels timely, strategic, and frankly overdue. More importantly, it's not just any petrol engine. This new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit is a modern, high-output powertrain that promises performance, refinement, and everyday usability, three things Tata has been steadily improving over the years.

We had our first taste of this engine earlier in the Tata Sierra, a car that has already captured the imagination of Indian buyers and become something of a national conversation starter. Seeing Tata now roll out the same petrol heart across its broader portfolio signals confidence in its engineering—and a desire to offer meaningful choice.

Our drive began on a foggy, smog-laden Delhi morning, the kind where visibility is low, and expectations are cautious. Tata had lined up both the Harrier and Safari petrol for us, keen to demonstrate how this new engine transforms their large SUV duo. These are big, imposing vehicles with a whole lot of road presence its what Tata confidently calls 'full-size SUVs' and conquering this segment requires more than just presence. It requires the right drivetrain.