Tata launched Altroz and Nexon EV in January 2021. Both the segments were set on fire. And again, in 2021, Tata is all set to launch two cars in its stable, a turbo-petrol Altroz due for launch this week, and the 7-seater Tata Gravitas. In a very random decision, or maybe not, Tata has decided to name Gravitas, Safari, a moniker that has been known as the icon for SUVs. It will be competing against the newly launched MG Hector Plus 7-seater. So, from what we know, let us put the heavy machines against each other.
Powertrain Comparison | The Indian or the Chinese
Now, that is what I should have mentioned in the beginning. This is a battle of a car from a totally indigenous carmaker vs a car from the Chinese-owned British brand. Let us first compare what you will be getting on the performance side.
Powertrain Comparison | Safari vs Hector Plus
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Tata Safari (GRAVITAS) | MG Hector Plus 7-seater | |||
Engine | 2.0-litre Turbo-Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol | 1.5-l Turbo-petrol Hybrid | 2.0-litre Diesel |
Power@rpm | 170ps@3,750 | 143ps@5,000 | 143ps@5,000 | 170ps@3,750 |
Torque@rpm | 350Nm@1,750-2,500 | 250Nm@1,600-3600 | 250Nm@1,600-3600 | 350Nm@1,750-2,500 |
Transmission | Six speed MT / 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT / DCT | 6-speed MT |
- Safari or the Gravitas is surely powerful when it comes to the comparison with Hector.
- It is the automatic transmission where Hector puts on a foot ahead of the Gravitas.
- Also, Hector Plus is the first 7-seater SUV to have a 48V hybrid system, making it more efficient.
- Hector also offers a diesel engine option, which Gravitas might miss on.
Features Comparison | Which of the two is more loaded?
We had a showcase of what the Gravitas will offer last year, at the Auto Expo. From what it looks like, Harrier is what we’ll be getting with an extra overhang of 60mm and 2 extra seats. That said, let’s see, is the Hector a better car to sit in?
Comfort and Convenience Comparison |
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Tata Safari (Gravitas) | MG Hector Plus | |
Infotainment System | 8.8-inch Floating Island | 10.4-inch Vertically Oriented Touchscreen with iSmart |
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | ||
Steering mounted Controls | ||
Voice alerts and recognition | ||
Instrument Cluster | 7-inch part analogue, part digital | 7-inch Fully Digital Coloured MID |
Tilt and Telescopic Steering | ||
Push Button Start-Stop | ||
Auto-Dimming IRVM | ||
Smart Swipe Tailgate | ||
Wireless Charger | Speculated | |
Heated ORVM | ||
Auto Headlamps | ||
Rain Sensing Wiper | ||
Rear AC Vents | ||
Panoramic Sunroof |
Gravitas or Safari is a Harrier with no extra wheelbase but a 60mm of excess overhang. So, we can expect it to have similar features, if not less. MG Hector does look promising in this comparison. The final comparison can only be made once the Tata Safari is launched.
Safety Comparison | Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus
Tata has been on the road of making Indian roads safer. We expect no less from the Tata Safari. That being said, MG Hector too offers a host of safety features. Let’s compare.
Safety Features Comparison (Base Variant) |
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Tata Safari / Gravitas | MG Hector Plus | |
Dual-Front Airbags | ||
ESP | ||
TCS | ||
Hill Hold Control | ||
ABS with EBD and Brake Assist | ||
Rear Parking Sensors | ||
Speed Sensing Door Lock | ||
Front Disc Brakes | ||
Rear Disc Brakes |
The Harrier does not offer rear disc brakes. Tata might offer them on the Gravitas, but that is still a yet. Rest, both of the SUVs offer a good package for safety.
And now, it comes to price.
As per the reports, Tata Gravitas or the Safari might be priced starting from ₹14lakhs. The Hector Plus on the other hand starts at ₹13,34,800. Tata might price Safari similar or in the vicinity of Hector. Rest, we’ll get to know on 26th January, so stay tuned!
Verdict
It is a bit 14 days too early to give a verdict. Hector Plus does seem to be a better option by Tata might make a bang on this Republic Day. Let’s wait or you can go on to buy the Hector Plus if you are in a hurry.
All you need to know: 7 Key Things To Know About The New Tata Safari