The moment all Safari fans were waiting for has finally arrived. Tata Motors has announced the introductory prices of its new flagship offering. They start at Rs 14.69 lakh and go up to Rs 21.45 lakh, ex-showroom. What is, essentially, a three-row Harrier is available in six trim levels, covering one engine and two transmission options. Before getting into those details, acquaint yourself with the detailed price list:

No matter which variant you opt for, the Safari will come with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It pumps out 168bhp/350Nm, the same as in the Harrier. Similarities continue with the transmission choices – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic (torque converter). As you’d expect, the Safari weighs more than the Harrier. Hence, the newcomer won’t match the donor SUV on performance. Also, unlike the old Safari, the new one doesn’t have a 4×4 system on offer. Tata might introduce that option at a later stage.

As you must be wondering, what is the Adventure Persona variant? It is, essentially, the range-topping Safari but in a slightly different suit. In Adventure Persona form, the SUV boasts different elements, mainly in colour. For instance, you can have it in an exclusive Tropical Mist colour with charcoal grey alloy wheels. Some trim pieces, inside and outside the cabin, are finished in piano black, granite black and dark chrome. As for the seats, they hide behind beige leatherette covers.

What the Safari does offer is space for six or seven passengers. If you want it with a six-seat layout, you’ll have to purchase it in the top-spec form. That will also pack features like Xenon HID projector headlamps, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit mated to a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a 7.0-inch TFT within the instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof (XZ+/XZA+), six airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels and 6-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat.

Even at the other end of the scale, the Safari offers quite a bit. As standard, it comes with Hill-Hold Control, Rollover Mitigation, projector headlamps, dual-function LED DRLs, all-disc brakes, roof rails, AC vents for all rows and tilt & telescopic adjust on steering. At the moment, Tata Motors is offering the Safari in three colours – Royale Blue, Orcus White and Daytona Grey. Those who choose the XE variant will have to stick with the white shade.

In India, the new Tata Safari will compete against the MG Hector Plus, the upcoming three-row version of the Hyundai Creta and the Mahindra XUV500. As we all know, Mahindra will be launching an all-new XUV500. That might not happen until next year because of a plague that has hampered automobile production worldwide – a shortage of semiconductor chips. How do you like the new Safari?