Looking at both the Harrier & Safari options, but am more inclined to the 5-seater SUV.
BHPian Quicksilver85 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hello Team-BHP.
I am seeking guidance from the owners/members in the forum regarding a new car purchase decision.
Situation:
I am happy with my MS Vitara Brezza which am owning for the past 4 years now and so far the ownership experience is flawless. Right from the booking up to 40K km now, the car has performed to my expectations and never has it put me in a problem situation.
Irresistible urge to Upgrade:
As mentioned above, although my own experience is good, I have been longing for a bigger car, SUV to be precise with a crash test rating of 5-stars. I am a bit let down by the interiors of my Brezza and age is catching up fast on the interiors and features. I am also proud that it is the only MSIL car that has a decent 4 Star rating score on the crash test.
Requirement:
We are a family of 5, 4 adults and 1 child and there is no need for a 7 seater. But, an SUV has to be and it has to be a diesel. Not looking at sedans so that kind of rules out sedans. I am OK stretching up to Rs 25L and have considered the Tata twins Harrier XT/A or Safari XT/A solely on the way the new-gen Tata SUVs look. I must admit, I have a fondness for Harrier > Safari purely for the coupe-ish stance. I have also evaluated other crossovers in the price bracket, but am somehow unable to convince myself otherwise. No offence to respective owners here, but, these are my reservations.
MG Hector: Obvious Chinese lineage, is a no brainer for me.
VW/Skoda twins: Taigun/Kushaq felt hatchback-ish in terms of size. Recent EPC issues notwithstanding, also realized the build quality is not similar to earlier VAG cars. Also, it is petrol only.
Mahindra XUV 700: The front is a bit busy for my liking. I would have preferred it without those BIG LEDs which a put off for me personally. The clean side profile and wow those door handles that pop out are segment-first and very appealing. Not sure how long will they last. Also, the upwards of 20 months of waiting periods reported in various forums are a downer. I mean it is just a car for God’s sake, who can wait for that long? It is like going back in time to the Bajaj Chetak days
Tata Harrier/Safari: Perfectly, fit my requirement. However, there is some news trickling down that a facelift is on the cards. Also, the forum itself and the owners themselves have spoken of the niggles with the infotainment. Considering this Maybe I repeat maybe, Tata will iron out all these shortcomings in the next iteration.
Please note: I have left out Hyundai Creta for its recent design language (I know a facelift is around the corner with new Tucson’s design language). Kia Seltos for build quality/sheet metal/Crash test results. Also, both are a segment lower in my opinion. Hyundai Tucson/ VW Tiguan and other BIG Brawny SUVs are above my budget considerations.
Should I wait for the facelift/ Next-gen Harrier/Safari? Also, would be the next emission norms further take the performance out of the diesel engines? I realized Tatas have timed their upgrades with the BS change (Harrier facelift for example coincided with the BS6 transition). Does anyone know of Toyota’s plan for the Mid-size SUV (above S-cross) in collaboration with MSIL? I do NOT mind waiting for a nicely sorted out car than regretting my decision.
Thank you.
Some pics of my reliable stable mate – Drogon from Game of Thrones.
Keyword: Maruti Vitara Brezza upgrade: Buy Tata Harrier now or wait for facelift