Tata Motors has been operating in the automobile industry for a considerable period of time. However, in recent years, the company has experienced significant growth and successfully captured a significant portion of the market. It is currently one of the most popular brand among buyers and is known for its solid build quality. When Tata ventured into the passenger vehicle market, it became a regular participant at the Auto Expo, the largest automobile exhibition in India, where it showcased its vehicles. We have obtained rare footage of Ratan Tata announcing the launch of the Indica hatchback and Tata Safari SUV.
The video depicts Ratan Tata delivering a speech about the new product launches. It showcases the rear-end of the Indica, which has a striking blue color. Additionally, the footage features the iconic Tata Safari SUV, painted in white, positioned in the background on a makeshift rock. This arrangement was specifically designed to draw attention to the stall, as Tata emphasized the Safari’s capabilities as an off-roading vehicle. It is worth noting that Tata continues to employ similar setups to this day.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
Tata Safari (First generation)
The first generation of the Tata Safari gained popularity in the market. However, due to its steep price tag, the SUV did not attract a large number of buyers. The Safari was equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which was sourced from Peugeot. This engine produced a maximum power of 90 Bhp and a peak torque of 190 Nm. It was paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Additionally, Tata provided an optional full 4X4 system that included a low-ratio transfer case.
The Safari garnered significant attention due to its imposing road presence and large size, making it one of the biggest vehicles on the road. Tata also released a series of motivational advertisements that effectively captured the essence of the new SUV. During its launch, Tata Motors priced the Safari at Rs 8.25 lakh. Tata introduced three generations of the Safari before ultimately discontinuing it in 2019. By that time, Tata had already launched the Storme. With the implementation of the stringent BS6 emission norms scheduled for 2020, Tata made the decision to discontinue the vehicle.
Tata Indica
The Tata Indica is widely recognized as India’s first domestically designed vehicle. Its popularity surged immediately after its launch, with Tata Motors receiving over 1.15 lakh bookings within a mere two weeks of announcing its price. The initial launch of the Indica featured an affordable starting price of Rs 2.59 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-end variant carried a price tag of Rs 3.9 lakh.
The Tata Indica was equipped with both a 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 1.4-litre diesel engine, making it the first hatchback in India to offer a diesel engine. The petrol engine delivered a maximum power of 60 Bhp, while the diesel variants boasted a maximum power of 53.5 Bhp. Both engine options were paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered