The Tata Safari has remained one of the most iconic names in the Indian SUV market for over two decades. Recently celebrating its 27th anniversary with the launch of the Stealth Edition, Tata Motors continues to show its commitment to keeping the Safari relevant for modern buyers. Until now, the Safari has been exclusively offered with a diesel engine, which has served it well in terms of performance and reliability. However, recent developments suggest Tata is preparing to diversify the lineup with the introduction of a petrol-powered variant. A test mule of the Safari was spotted testing in full camouflage, signaling that the long-awaited Safari Petrol might finally be hitting the roads by the second half of this year.

Why Tata Safari Petrol Makes Sense Now

The Indian automobile market has been witnessing a growing demand for petrol SUVs. With stricter emission norms and rising concerns over diesel bans in key urban centers, manufacturers are shifting focus toward petrol-powered options. Tata Motors has been working behind the scenes to develop its own petrol engine to power larger vehicles like the Safari and Harrier, and after months of speculation, it appears those efforts are about to pay off. The test vehicle recently spotted undergoing trials is believed to be the Safari Petrol, which means the brand is in the final stages of testing before launch. Tata initially intended to introduce this engine last year, but delays in development pushed the timeline forward. Now, the petrol Safari seems closer than ever to becoming a reality.

What to Expect from the Safari Petrol Variant

While the overall design of the Safari Petrol is expected to remain nearly identical to its diesel counterpart, there may be subtle updates to set it apart. Visual distinctions might include unique badging and minor interior tweaks that indicate it runs on petrol power. The core appeal of the Safari—its imposing stance, spacious cabin, and robust road presence—will likely remain unchanged. This is a smart move by Tata, as the existing design has been well-received since the SUV’s relaunch and continues to perform strongly in its segment.

Engine Specifications and Performance

At the heart of the new Safari Petrol will be Tata’s in-house developed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (tGDi). This engine is expected to produce around 168 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, making it competitive with other petrol-powered SUVs in the segment. It will likely be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as well as a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCA) gearbox, catering to both traditionalists and those looking for a more refined driving experience. The same engine will also power the upcoming Harrier Petrol, allowing Tata to standardize production and pricing across its popular SUV lineup. Given that it is an in-house engine, Tata has more flexibility with cost management, which could make the Safari Petrol significantly more affordable than the diesel version.

Pricing Expectations and Market Impact

One of the most talked-about aspects of the upcoming Safari Petrol is its expected price positioning. Early reports suggest that Tata might price the petrol variant between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh lower than the diesel models. This could make the Safari Petrol a particularly attractive option for buyers who want the size and features of a large SUV without the higher cost of diesel powertrains. Such pricing could also allow Tata to target customers who have previously considered petrol alternatives like the MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, or Mahindra XUV700 Petrol, making the Safari an even stronger player in the highly competitive mid-size SUV market.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Tata Safari Petrol is set to bring a fresh wave of excitement to Tata’s SUV lineup. With a powerful new engine, competitive pricing, and the proven design of the current Safari, Tata is poised to attract a wider audience. Whether you are someone who drives mostly within the city or takes frequent highway trips, the petrol variant of the Safari could offer a more practical and affordable ownership experience without compromising on the features and comfort that have become synonymous with the name. As Tata gears up for a launch in the second half of this year, the Safari Petrol may very well become one of the most awaited SUVs of 2025.