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Business / Fri, 29 May 2026 MotorOctane

Should You Buy The Tata Safari Or Wait For This Upcoming SUV?

The Tata Safari is an iconic name in Tata’s history, and the current model has brought decent success for the automaker. But now, the Safari could be in trouble as MG is set to launch this new 7-seater SUV. MG Starlight 560 – PowertrainThe Starlight is expected to be offered as a PHEV and an EV. Interestingly, Tata plans to launch the Safari.ev by Diwali this year, and the Starlight around the same time. Also Read: Tata To Launch This Off-Road SUV In India!

The Tata Safari is an iconic name in Tata’s history, and the current model has brought decent success for the automaker. But now, the Safari could be in trouble as MG is set to launch this new 7-seater SUV.

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MG Starlight 560

MG has been inactive in the market lately, but it is now set to press the gas pedal as it prepares to launch multiple new models. It is set to bring the Wuling Starlight (Wuling is MG’s sister company in China) to India. While the Indian-spec may not carry the same Starlight nametag, it will share its underpinnings with the Chinese models.

The Starlight is a 4.75m long SUV with a 2.8m long wheelbase. These dimensions are bigger than those of the Safari. Thanks to these dimensions, the interiors of the Starlight are much roomier and more practical than those of the Safari and even the XUV7XO.

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Thanks to these proportions, the Starlight looks more like an MPV than an SUV. Its conservative design will be appreciated by those seeking a more understated look. The Starlight is specifically designed for those who prioritise the cabin experience over aesthetics.

Also Read: New Toyota SUV Launched!

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Features

It is expected to get plenty of features to elevate the cabin experience. Some of the expected features include –

Electric tailgate

Panoramic sunroof

360-degree camera

Fully digital instrument cluster

Level-2 ADAS

Wireless charging

Ventilated & powered front seats

12.8-inch infotainment screen

Automatic climate control

AC vents in each row

Electrically-adjustable ORVM with auto-fold

7-airbags

Rain-sensing wipers

TPMS

Also Read: New Skoda SUV Launching Next Month!

MG Starlight 560 – Powertrain

The Starlight is expected to be offered as a PHEV and an EV. The PHEV will be powered by a 1.5-litre engine mated to a 20.5kWh battery pack. This powertrain produces 97 bhp & 230 Nm. We also expect it to get an AWD drivetrain, as demand for AWD has surged in recent years.

The EV is offered with a 56.7 kWh battery pack mated to a single-motor unit, producing 136 bhp & 200 Nm. Its range is around 500 km, and you can charge it from 30% to 80% in less than 30 minutes (with a fast charger).

Also Read: 3 New Japanese 7-Seaters Launching In India

Expected Pricing & Launch

We expect the PHEV to be priced around Rs 20-30 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), while the EV could cost around Rs 25-35 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Such pricing would make the Starligh the cheapest PHEV in the country. We could see both the PHEV and EV being launched by October.

Interestingly, Tata plans to launch the Safari.ev by Diwali this year, and the Starlight around the same time. The Starlight will take the Safari head-on in the EV segment as well.

Also Read: Tata To Launch This Off-Road SUV In India!

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