Although you’ve probably never heard of the Tata Safari, it’s a pretty big seller in other parts of the world. For 2011, there is a new model, although it still appears to be stuck in 1999. It will go on sale in India in the early part of 2011, followed by Europe later in the year.

The new model will pick up where the old one left off, but with more technical updates, a new design, and more attention to fit and finish. This means that the price will rise, but Tata->ke3001 is debating on continuing the production of the previous model, as a low cost variant. Hard to imagine BMW doing that with one of their models isn’t it?

The 2011 Tata Safari SUV will be based on its sibling Aria’s platform which will make the car more rigid and a better handler. The new model will also have lots of space and will be loaded with features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a silver finish on the center console, Climate Control, and much more.

Tata->ke3001 will also use some of the technical know how from Jaguar->ke39 Land Rover->ke46 on the new Safari to help sales in Europe. The motor should be 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel with 140 horsepower.

Hit the jump for the full review.

2011 Tata Safari

Specifications
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  • Model: 2011 Tata Safari
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Now that Tata owns Land Rover, we expect a great deal of improvements in the off-road capabilities of the Safari. The current model already comes as standard with limited slip differentials, an automatic hub lock for the front axle, and electronically controlled four wheel drive system, so it should be interesting to see what extra features the new one has for 2011.

The car is expected to be lighter than the outgoing model to make it more fuel efficient. With European markets in mind, the car has been developed to comply by the EuroNCAP safety norms. Safety features include ABS, two air bags, and seat belt warnings.

The new Safari will need to compete with strong players, such as the Ford->ke31 Endeavour and the Mahindra Scorpio. The Ford was designed to be a perfect family car while being great on and off the roads. The motor puts out 141 horses and that's one of the highest in the country. The Scorpio is the favorite among business types, thanks to its great design. The 120 horsepower output matched the foreign made cars at all levels.

It won't be an easy road, but the Safari looks like it should be a big seller for Tata.