What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023, and their variants to find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- MG Hector vs Tata Safari 2023– an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
For long-distance road trip enthusiasts, comfort and reliability are paramount. They look for cars with spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and ample legroom and headroom. High fuel efficiency, especially on highways, is crucial for extended journeys. Advanced navigation systems, stable high-speed performance, and cruise control enhance the driving experience.
Safety features like ABS, traction control, and airbags are also essential. Additional amenities such as climate control, infotainment systems compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and ample boot capacity for luggage are highly valued.
Why MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 are Popular
MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 are favored for long-distance road trips due to their spacious interiors, comfort features, and reliable performance. Both models offer generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, ensuring passenger comfort on long journeys.
The MG Hector stands out with its fuel-efficient engine options, smooth CVT transmission, and features like wireless charging and voice-activated controls. On the other hand, the Tata Safari, with its robust diesel engine, offers a stable and comfortable ride, even on challenging terrains.
Both cars provide high-speed stability, essential for long-distance travel, and come equipped with modern infotainment systems, enhancing the overall travel experience.
MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 16-18 lakh range
For MG Hector, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 November 2023 |
| 1.5 Turbo Shine CVT | ₹1,719,000 |
| 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT | ₹1,799,000 |
| 2.0 Shine Diesel | ₹1,799,000 |
For Tata Safari 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 November 2023 |
| Smart | ₹1,619,000 |
| Pure | ₹1,769,000 |
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Shine CVT
The MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Shine CVT, priced at INR 1,719,000, offers a smooth CVT transmission and a comfortable ride. Its infotainment system and ample boot space make it a good choice for long-distance travel. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Hector with Toyota Innova Hycross.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT
At INR 1,799,000, the MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT brings similar features as the Shine variant, with the addition of a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats, enhancing the comfort for long drives.
MG Hector 2.0 Shine Diesel
The MG Hector 2.0 Shine Diesel, also priced at INR 1,799,000, offers the robustness of a diesel engine, suitable for long-distance travel, with the added benefit of better fuel economy. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Hector with Mahindra XUV700.
Tata Safari Smart
Priced at INR 1,619,000, the Tata Safari Smart provides a sturdy diesel engine and higher ground clearance, making it ideal for varied terrains encountered during road trips.
Tata Safari Pure
The Tata Safari Pure, at INR 1,769,000, offers features similar to the Safari Smart but adds more comfort features like automatic climate control, making it a viable option for extended travel. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Safari 2023 with Isuzu V-Cross.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among MG Hector and Tata Safari 2023 for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers
The Tata Safari Smart stands out as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. Its combination of a robust diesel engine, high ground clearance, and a spacious cabin with comfortable seating makes it ideal for long journeys.
Priced at INR 1,619,000, it offers excellent value for money. The Safari Smart’s stability and comfort over various terrains, coupled with features like manual climate control and a large boot capacity, ensure a pleasant and hassle-free travel experience.
The Top 3 Choices
- Tata Safari Smart
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT
- MG Hector 2.0 Shine Diesel
| Feature | MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT | MG Hector 2.0 Shine Diesel | Tata Safari Smart |
| Boot Capacity (liters) | 587 | 587 | 420 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 192 | 192 | 200 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (l) | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| Engine – Power (BHP) | 141 | 167.76 | 167.62 |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Tata Safari Smart: Offers a comfortable and stable ride, higher ground clearance, and a spacious cabin, making it the top choice for long road trips.
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Smart CVT: Provides comfort and convenience features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats, enhancing the long-distance travel experience.
- MG Hector 2.0 Shine Diesel: Combines the comfort of the Hector with the efficiency and power of a diesel engine, suitable for long drives.
For long-distance road trip lovers, the Tata Safari Smart offers the best combination of comfort, space, and performance, making it an ideal travel companion. The MG Hector variants, while also comfortable, offer different advantages with their petrol and diesel options, catering to different preferences. These top three variants represent the best balance of comfort, space, and driving pleasure for long-distance journeys.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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