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| TATA Safari Storme |
India Auto Major TATA’s , much awaited SUV TATA Safari Storme code named TATA Safari Merlin, was unveiled in Auto Expo 2012, Jan in Pragati Maidan New Delhi. Since its inception into SUV family , in 1998 this SUV has undergone engine tweaking and face-lifts couple of times but under the skin it remained the same. It was a huge disappointment again for the SUV admirers again. Earlier Storme was slated to launch by the end of July 2012 but now looks like it is delayed again.
TATA Safari Storme is being built on the Aria platform with X2 chasis and inherited the wishbone suspension from TATA Aria. A 200mm reduced wheelbase against TATA Aria (Storme has 2650 wheel base), which helped Storme in Torsion rigidity and weight. The Stormes’s chassis is 35 Kg lighter and 45 percent stiffer than old Safari which is really a commendable feature in TATA Storme. Steering wheel is also inherited from TATA Aria. Noticeable changes like new squared-off headlamp with projector lamps with-in, new vertical Grille gives a Landrover kind of look. In addition to them a new bumper with sleek air-dam gives a complete look to Storme. A more protruding foot-step is not that impressive and don’t think it serves more than what Safari had earlier. On the Rear you see good share of changes made. A twin chrome tipped exhausts and high mounted gives sporty look to the vehicle. Spare wheel has been relocated to under the floor through rear door. With all these recognizable changes Storme looks heavier, urban SUV style and sportier than Safari.
The interiors are done in pseudo wood finish, while the high quality upholstery further adds more killer looks to the SUV. I would say beige colour is not for India, we could see the dust piling up on beige color seats, yes beige color seats for that exotic look are part of Storme’s cabin. Revised center console and rest all borrowed from Aria. Fit and finish of the panels are better than Safari and Aria. The Seating comfort in Storme matchless with another SUV in the market. Acres of legroom and spacious to sit back and relax. Driver’ seat gives a high view of the surroundings and you feel like commanding the road
The Tata Safari Storme have the same 2.2 litre of DiCOR engine but will be mated to a new G76 MKII gearbox for better gear shifts and is more responsive. This engine is capable of producing the 140 BHP of power and 315 Nm of torque as Aria. Storme’s clutch is lighter than some other SUVs I have experienced. Slowing down a SUV needs considerable braking force and the Storme now comes with disc brakes all round and is equipped with ABS. You feel spongy, but the Storme comes to a halt without much noise.
Storme missed the exotic feature that everybody expects , Climate control and GPS navigation which are there in Aria. May these features would cost more but still buyers are happy to pay for them nowadays.
Technical Specifications
Expected Price Range in Lakhs : Rs 9-10 Approx
Mileage: 11-16 KMPL
Engine
Fuel Diesel
Type 4-cyl, in-line, 2179cc, common-rail, turbo diesel
Power 140bhp at 4000rpm
Torque 32.63kgm at 1700-2700rpm
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Chassis & Body
Tyres 235/70-R16
Brakes
Front Ventilated discs
Rear discs
