Tata Safari Storme

Tata Motors had finally unveiled its much awaited SUV, the Safari Storme at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012 before launching it for commercial sale on the 17th of October 2012. On the outside the new generation Tata Safari Storme is thoroughly updated. At the front is a new grill, new projector headlamps and a ‘power bulge’ on the bonnet. New chrome-tipped twin exhausts, the tailgate in an all-new guise and aerodynamic spoilers make up for the the rear, with the spare tyre placed under the vehicle instead of at the rear. Inside you will get beige seats coupled with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome highlighted gear knob, wood-accented dashboard and door trims, a new instrument cluster, chrome-lined speaker grills and inside door handles endow the interiors with opulence.

The front seats are huge and spacious and dual AC with separate integrated roof-mounted blower keeps the entire cabin cool. The quality and feel of the cabin has imporved no doubt. The motor in the Safari Storme is a 2.2L 16-valve common rail (DiCOR, but Tata calls this one a VERICOR unit) engine (140 PS power; 320 Nm torque) with a variable geometry turbo, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Off-road lovers will be pleased to know that the Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) enables shifting from 2WD to 4WD even on the move. It has a turning circle radius of 5.4 metres, 200 mm ground clearance, electrically operated ORVMs and a reverse parking system. On driving the five-speed G76 manual gearbox has also been changed and the overall shift action is a lot more positive this time around. For safety, there are 4-channel ABS (ABS is standard on all verisons) with EBD, disc brakes on all wheels, a new rack-and-pinion steering system, rigid ladder frame construction with hydro-formed long members, crumple zones, side intrusion beams on all doors, collapsible steering column, dual SRS airbags, inertia switch and an auto engine immobiliser. 

The ride is one thing that we loved about the old one and we are glad to say that it remains that way. It is plush and soaks up bad roads with ease. The handling of the Safari Storme is much better, thanks to the Aria based suspension. Push the SUV into corners and it holds its line pretty well and doesnt really scare you, even during spirited driving. The less weight means hurl one into corners and the control is much better and it feels planted. The new Safari Storme is a major change over the earlier model and will certainly delight Safari fans! The interiors also have a long list of standard features including the base LX model. It is bigger than the rivals occupying the same price point and is also well equipped for this price. But the biggest improvement is that the looks are now better and dynamically it is just more sorted now. The prices start from Rs 9.95 lakhs ex-showroom. For a detailed analysis read below.

 Here is a closer look at the Storme in this official Tata Motors video

Step inside and the changes are apparent quickly. The cabin is airy and the beige look helps no doubt. The beige seats are matched with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome highlighted gear knob, wood-accented dashboard and door trims, a new instrument cluster, chrome-lined speaker grills and inside door handles endow the interiors with opulence. The front seats are huge and spacious and dual AC with separate integrated roof-mounted blower keeps the entire cabin cool. The quality and feel of the cabin has imporved no doubt. The space though is the same as ever and it is massive and this is one area where the Safari Storme blows everything away. The rear seat is airy and the headroom and legroom are excellent. The front seats are great too and munching long distances behind the wheel will be easy. There are enough places around to keep your bottles, glasses, walltes and mobiles - practicality of the Safari Storme can hardly be matched in the segment.