Tata Safari: A Troubling SUV with Poor Performance
The Tata Safari, an SUV manufactured by Indian automaker Tata Motors, was introduced in 1998. Despite its initial popularity in India, the Safari had a troubled launch in the UK in the early 2000s. The vehicle’s poor performance, safety concerns, and low-quality build made it an unattractive option for most consumers.
Tata Motors, which also owns Jaguar Land Rover, began producing commercial vehicles in 1954 and expanded into the car market in 1991. The company’s first car was a 4×4, which was followed by the Safari in 1998. The Safari was designed to compete with other off-road vehicles in the market, but its performance fell short of expectations.
The Safari’s 1.9-litre diesel engine made a mere 89bhp and 146lb ft, which was insufficient for a vehicle that weighed over two tonnes. The engine was a proven Peugeot design, but it struggled to power the Safari on both on and off-road terrain. The vehicle’s gearbox was particularly problematic, and it suffered from sluggish acceleration, taking 19 seconds to reach 60mph.
The Safari’s safety features were also a cause for concern. The vehicle lacked ABS and airbags, and the central rear passenger only had a lap belt. The rear brakes were old-school drum brakes, which further added to the safety concerns.
The Safari’s build quality was equally poor. The switchgear was poorly screwed together, and the plastic used in the interior was cheap and unevenly coloured. The wing mirrors would flap at speeds of 70mph, which was a major safety hazard.
Despite these issues, the Safari remained on sale in the UK until 2005. A few people did end up buying the vehicle, but it failed to make a significant impact on the market.
GM Goes Mad with Innovation: Bold Concept Cars from General Motors
General Motors (GM) went through a creative phase in the early 2000s, as it aimed to become a world leader in vehicle innovation. The company unveiled ten bold concept cars after the millennium, which included the Hummer H2, Cadillac Imaj, Buick Lacrosse, and Pontiac Piranha.
The Hummer H2 was a smaller, more stylish version of the Hummer brand, which GM had acquired from military-machinery maker AM General. The H2 was “the most fun to drive and thrilling to be in” of all the concept cars. It sold well from 2002 and stayed true to its remarkable concept.
The Cadillac Imaj was a preview of Cadillac’s Mercedes S-Class rival, with a supercharged V8 and an interior like a private jet. The DTS eventually went on sale in 2005, but most of the visual impact was lost. The other Caddy didn’t get watered down, and thankfully so, because this was the SSR – essentially a modernised, Corvette-powered 1950s pick-up.
The Buick Lacrosse was meant to “convey the luxury of a damned fine brandy and a rich, mellow cigar”. However, the 2005 production saloon was more burning bourbon and nasty fag. The Pontiac Piranha was a youth-targeted coupé-buggy-4×4 cross that was “an absolute blast to drive”. Unfortunately, the production of Piranha was cancelled before it could be launched.
Audi’s Brutal RS4: A Successor to the RS2 Avant
The Audi RS2 Avant proved that there was a big appetite for hot-rod estates, so Audi went all-out with its successor, the Audi RS4. The RS4 took on a beefy look and got a Cosworth version of Audi’s special 2.7-litre petrol V6 with larger turbos, making a massive 325lb ft all the way from 2500-6000rpm, then 370bhp.
The RS4’s launch felt brutal, and it could reach speeds of up to 174mph on an autobahn. Its handling and steering were fluent and quick, inspiring confidence. However, it didn’t react well to being pushed hard, and its shift was flawed. Despite these issues, the RS4 was quicker than the BMW M3 and Porsche 911 Turbo.
Jaguar’s Revitalization Under Ford Ownership
Jaguar’s prospects looked bright as a new era dawned under Ford ownership. The all-new ‘X350’ XJ limousine was designed to “bristle with high-tech underpinnings”, including a lighter yet stiffer aluminium chassis and maybe even a diesel option. The company also planned to launch a Ford Mondeo-based executive car (X-Type) and a roadster (F-Type).
Design was also a priority for Jaguar, with new duo Ian Callum and Julian Thomson aiming to combine traditional values with innovation. The ‘New Jag’ proved popular but never profitable, and Ford sold the company in 2008.
Conclusion
The Tata Safari, GM’s concept cars, Audi’s RS4, and Jaguar’s revitalization under Ford ownership were all significant events in the automotive industry in the early 2000s. While the Safari failed to make an impact on the market due to its poor performance and build quality, GM’s concept cars showcased the company’s innovative spirit. The Audi RS4 proved to be a worthy successor to the RS2 Avant, while Jaguar’s revitalization under Ford ownership brought new hope for the iconic British brand.