Safari, Scorpio, Tucson which is the best SUV in india???

Hello all,

I am planning to buy a new vehicle (certainly not a car). I love driving and that too the SUVs. And have short listed 3 SUVs.
1. Tata Safari Dicor
2. Mahindra Scorpio
3. Hyundai Tucson

3 of them have their positives and negatives.

Safari- Great looks, spacious and comfortable. But, despite of being around for almost a decade still has not improved. Although Tatas have managed to pour in some attractive features and the prices are also now competitive.... reviews are not so impressive.
Scorpio - every thing sounds to be better than safari (technically), i am not sure about the legroom and comfort. About 2 yars back, had hired both the vehicles and atleast then had found Safari to be more roomy and comfortable. Is it the case with the new ones???
Tucson - Found to be a good looking thing and reasonable with features But have not seen many of them around. How do you guys feel aout this one??

I am not able to make up my mind on which SUV I should be going in for. So let me know your opinions. Well not necssary it should of the 3 selected. Give me options as well.

Well one thing for sure is I am looking for a diesel vehicle, which looks and feels like SUV and not a commuter vehicle.

Safari is huge but doesn't have the refinement, but is very spacious and comfortable. The scorpio has a better engine and fuel efficiency but not comfortable and handling is the main issue. It suspension, though improved for the new model, is still not satisfactory. Tucson on the other hand will cost you 17.50 lakhs on road, thats why you don't see many around. It has a good 2 lt crdi engine with all time 4-wheel drive but still the price is way too much for this soft-roader. The top end model of safari will cost you 12.5 and scorpio will cost 9.25 lakhs. Both these SUVs will be out with new refined more powerful engines this year along with a new Ford Endeavour, that can also be taken under serious consideration once launched in upgraded version.

Thank Anurag,

Any idea when is the launch of both safari and scorpio expected??
I have also heard that Mahindra is planning to launch an entirely new Scorpio. Is it really the case?? are you aware of any such thing??

Well Endaevor is a good option, but I feel it is rater too big to be driven around in a city like pune. Safari n Scorpio seem to be adequately sized than the Ford's beast.
Any idea on Maruti's Escudo???

I can't say when exactly the cars would be launched because the dates given by the manufacturers for the launch are always delayed, it is expected in third or fourth quarter this year. Don't expect too many changes in scorpio, they launched the new bolero recently with just minor changes, I asked the Mahindra people during an exhibition in my city, they said they would provide features like ABS, airbags and even cruise control in their top end variant to match with safari standards and the price of that variant would be close to 11 lakhs. The new engine is 2.2LT. Hope they improve the handling and suspension. No news about the escudo, it was suppose to launch in 2006 as declared by them in dec2005 but i think they forgot.

I heard that the new TATA Safari will be out with a new engine. It is supposed to be a 2.2 ltr engine that pumps out appox. 140 bhp.It was displayed at the Bologna Motor Show. I even have a pic of this from the show site but could not upload (can any one help me here?). Even I was planning to buy a Safari but have now put it on hold and will wait for the new one. But does anyone knows what will it be priced at?? As far as the launch date, some say April while the others say July/August. Can some give me an update.

Hi Arjun,

 Even I am planning a Safari LX Dicor very soon, but i get this thought of waiting for the 2.2L 140 BHP version, I dunno if will have that much patience to wait for it Bro can you please share the pic at gagan0210@gmail.com.

 

Hi,

We are going through the same dilemma. We have stumbled upon a Tucson that has been driven for 52,000kms 06/2005 model for around 12lakh (it is the high end model)..it drives well. But we are unsure if we should go in for this or the new Safari Dicor 2.2/ Scorpio vlk MHawk?

What would be a safer and better bet?

Would appreciate some expert comment

well well , the safari scorpio and Innova falls in the same segemnt whereas Tuscon is in the next segemnt with the CRV, endevour and Grand Vitara,

I feel in the basic segemnt the Innova is faar better and much refined and peppy than the Safari and scorpio my second choice would be the Scorpio

And in the next segemnt my first choice would be the Grnad VItara followed by CRV and Tuscon

Cheers,

Sri

Welll the Tuscon at 12 lakhs for 05/06 model si bit high , try to bragain it to 10 lakhs and if he agrees than go for the tuscon or else you should go for the new Scorpio m hawk but when scorpio M hawk is compared with the Innova V varaint , the Innova feels much safer and bette rthan scorpio M hawk in every way

Cheers,

Sri

Thanks Sri