As you start the car you distinctly notice the huge difference between the older version and this one. I should know, I am the proud owner of a 2000 model Safari Exi and drive it everywhere.

My first drive in this new avatar was through the congested roads of Worli Naka in central Mumbai. The car moved like a tame beast in 1st and 2nd gears.
Maneuvering this beast seemed quite easy, much easier than the earlier versions. The engine practically purrs like a big cat.

The two-tone beige interiors of the Safari Vxi, although improved, still has a lack of quality and feel. The door panels look plasticky and the AC air vents are somewhat the same and complicated to handle. They seem like they will not last too long.
The feather touch push door for the cigarette lighter seems a little too delicate. The lack of attention to detail can be noticed in the gap around the ignition keyhole where you easily end up inserting the key.
The centre console is impressive, much better than the earlier versions and more comfortable to use.
The new gear knob is a welcome change and feels very good. The clutch though, has a rather long play and needs some getting used to.

One of the strongest yet smallest luxuries in driving my Safari is the left footrest. This is strangely missing in this new version. Makes me wonder, why would one take off something which is good!

The seats of the Safari are the best in comfort, making it a luxurious ride. The arm rest adds to driving comfort.
The driver's seat is height adjustable, and finding a good driving position is pretty easy.

My test vehicle was the 4x4 Vxi equipped with leather seats, included a rear-view camera for reversing with LCD display in the IRVM, airbags, ABS and EBD and a DVD player with monitors for the passengers behind (not exactly a driver's pleasure).

The steering wheel is adjustable in all the variants. That's what makes the Safari a tempting vehicle. As even the Basic LX version comes with features like front and rear power windows, AC, heating, laptop charger point in the middle row, Follow me home lights which come on after you park the car and remain on for about 30 seconds so that you can reach home safe in the dark.
The windows come down all the way with a single touch, which is a very good feature considering the glass size.

The rear-view camera is a boon considering the size of the vehicle while reversing as there is no way a driver car see the lower part of the rear, especially at the bumper level. What might be even more interesting would be an audio help directing you as to how close or far you are from impact.