The Tata Safari (1998) was India's first true SUV designed and developed entirely by an Indian company, marking a milestone for Tata Motors. Featuring a lofty stance, an upright front grille, wide wheel arches, and a side-opening rear door, the Safari's aggressive and muscular look at launch embodied the tough SUV image of the time. It was propelled by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that was first purchased from Peugeot and subsequently improved in later models. The ladder-frame chassis on which the vehicle was constructed provided durability for off-road use. A large percentage of the car was locally made in India, with manufacturing taking place at Tata's Pune factory. The Safari's body panels were composed of pressed steel, and its interior had fabric or leatherette seats, injection-moulded plastic accents, and some internal fittings reinforced with glass fibre. It was marketed as a high-end Indian SUV for both urban and outdoor customers, with equipment including air conditioning, power steering, and optional 4WD.