Tata Safari to Get 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine — Spotted Testing Ahead of Launch

Updated: 22-06-2025, 01.15 PM

Tata Motors is gearing up to launch a petrol-powered variant of its flagship SUV — the Tata Safari — for the first time since its return to the Indian market. Until now, the Safari has only been available with diesel engines, but with the segment evolving and petrol variants in demand, Tata is preparing to expand its powertrain lineup to stay competitive with rivals like the Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector Plus.

Tata Safari

Safari Petrol Variant Spotted Testing

The buzz around this development grew stronger after car enthusiast Praveen Kumar captured fresh spy shots of the upcoming Safari petrol variant undergoing road testing. Interestingly, two test models were seen — one camouflaged, the other uncovered — confirming that the project is in an advanced testing phase.

These sightings have excited SUV enthusiasts, especially those waiting for a petrol-powered Tata SUV in the mid-premium segment.

All-New 1.5L TGDI Turbo Petrol Engine

The highlight of the upcoming Safari will be its new 1.5-litre TGDI turbo petrol engine, developed entirely in-house by Tata Motors. This four-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is expected to deliver:

170 PS of peak power
280 Nm of torque

While it may not match the sheer output of Mahindra’s 2.0L turbo petrol engine, Tata is reportedly focusing on delivering a balanced package of performance, efficiency, and affordability — which could make it very attractive to a broader audience.

Safari’s Diesel-Only Legacy So Far

Since its modern-day relaunch, the Safari has been offered exclusively with a 2.0L turbo diesel engine sourced from Stellantis. In fact, even with the introduction of the recent facelift, there was speculation about a petrol version — but it didn’t materialize.

Now, the confirmation of the Safari petrol variant suggests Tata is finally broadening its powertrain options — a move that will likely help the Safari compete more aggressively in a segment where multiple brands now offer petrol alternatives.

Expected Launch Timeline

Sources indicate that the new petrol-powered Safari is currently undergoing final development and should debut towards the end of 2025. The engine will first be launched in the Safari and Harrier models, with future deployment likely in Tata’s upcoming Sierra and Curvv SUVs as well.

This strategic move will help Tata cater to a larger customer base and offer more competitive pricing in India’s hotly contested SUV market.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.