The 2025 Tata Safari has been caught testing on Indian roads, and this time it’s not just another routine facelift – spy shots suggest Tata Motors is finally ready to address one of the Safari’s biggest gaps: the lack of a petrol engine option.
2025 Tata Safari Petrol Engine: What We Know
Our sources and recent spy shots point to something significant happening with the Safari’s powertrain lineup. The fully camouflaged test mule spotted recently could very well be packing Tata’s new 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection (TGDi) petrol engine. This isn’t just wishful thinking – it makes perfect business sense.
The new petrol unit is no slouch either. It churns out 170PS at 5,000rpm and 280Nm of torque between 2,000-3,500rpm, which puts it right in the sweet spot for a seven-seater SUV. What’s particularly clever is that this engine meets BS6 Phase II norms and can run on both regular petrol and E20 ethanol blend – future-proofing at its finest.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Tata isn’t just adding petrol; they’re also working on making their diesel option more potent.
Tata Safari Diesel Engine Gets Power Upgrade
The current 2.0-litre diesel that does duty in both the Safari and Harrier produces 170bhp and 350Nm. However, with Tata now having full rights to develop and modify Stellantis’ FAM B 2.0L diesel engine, expect this number to climb to around 180bhp.
It’s not a massive jump, but in the SUV world, every extra horse counts – especially when you’re hauling seven people and their luggage up a ghat section.
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Tata Safari vs Rivals: Why Petrol Option Matters
Let’s be honest – the Safari has been fighting with one hand tied behind its back. While rivals like the Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Alcazar offer petrol options, Safari buyers were stuck with diesel-only. In a market where petrol is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for urban buyers, this was a significant handicap.
The current Safari, despite its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating and impressive feature list, has been losing potential customers to competitors simply because they wanted a petrol engine. This move could change that equation entirely.
2025 Tata Safari Spy Shots: Design and Features
The test mule spotted was heavily camouflaged, suggesting Tata wants to keep things under wraps for now. No visible design changes were apparent, which makes sense – the current Safari already looks the part with its bold grille, LED lighting, and commanding road presence.
Inside, expect the same premium cabin experience that current Safari owners rave about. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and Level 2 ADAS features will likely carry over. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Tata Safari Sales Impact: Market Strategy
This development comes at a crucial time for Tata Motors. The Safari, despite being feature-packed and well-built, has been playing catch-up in sales numbers. Adding a petrol option could open up entirely new customer segments – think urban families who prefer petrol for city driving, or buyers in regions where diesel availability is patchy.
From our long-term experience with the Safari diesel automatic, we know it’s a solid performer that returns around 13km/l in city conditions and up to 16km/l on highways. The petrol version will likely trade some of that efficiency for broader appeal and potentially smoother refinement.
Tata Safari 2025 Launch Date and Price Expectations
While Tata hasn’t officially confirmed these developments, the writing’s on the wall. The spy shots, combined with the company’s recent engine acquisitions and development activities, paint a clear picture of what’s coming.
Expect an official announcement in the coming months, possibly at the next major auto show. Pricing will be crucial – the petrol Safari will need to be positioned competitively against the XUV700 petrol and Alcazar to make a real dent in the market.
For now, current Safari owners can take comfort in knowing their SUV will soon have more powertrain siblings. And for those waiting on the sidelines for a petrol Safari – your patience might finally be rewarded.
The Safari’s evolution continues, and this time, it’s addressing real customer needs rather than just adding more bells and whistles. Sometimes, that’s exactly what the market ordered.