Tata Safari Storme

Tata Safari is one of the India’s first Indigenous and best selling SUV present in Indian Market for more than a decade now. Through in this time span it has received various update and tweaks including engine and power output. But after Tata went through JLR deal and had access to their world class Research and Development facility, they came out with a new fully redesigned and Face lifted version of their ongoing monster called TATA Safari STORME.

Safari Storm is based on its sibling ARIA’s X2 Platform which has more strong Hydro formed Chassis sections, new 2.2 liter,16 valve DOHC Common Rail Direct injection diesel Engine named VARICOR with Variable Turbine Technology and new G76 MarkII Gearbox. It is lighter than its predecessor model to improve fuel Efficiency, and as this car has been made with European countries launch in its mind so it has been developed to comply EuroNCAP safety standard in mind.
Launched at 2012 Auto Expo initially supposed to be named Merlin (Rumour) is well versed in terms of features and equipment, it comes with luxurious interiors loaded with some of the best-in-class features which include ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution as standard in all models, Roof mounted rear AC, Approach lights, seat belt unfastened warning, 3-positon lumber support in seats.

From Exterior Safari Storm gives us the hint of Land Rover’s involvement in its design, which is very much far ahead of its predecessor model. It looks very much dynamic and bold from all angles which aids to is muscular aggressiveness overall. The new redesigned bonnet with a slope line with new rectangular mesh grille with the company logo and chrome stripe at front end of bonnet with STORM engraved on it form the charming yet masculine front fascia, which is also backed by new sharp and bold flared Halogen Projector Headlamps.

The side view of the car is not much changed from its previous model, the notable changes present are the wheel arches has gone bolder, similarly side door mouldings. Window line not very much sloping up, an inclined C-pillar, and a little bit up hinged 3rd row window, choice of 2 roof rails colour, charcoal grey and straight silver with a lip spoiler aids to the aesthetic of the SUV. Moving on to rear, it has been completely redesigned and has got spectacular new view, the first noticeable change is removal of spare wheel from back and has been tucked under C cabin. The most eye grabbing part is the new Black rear door moulding which says about car name and trim and is also underlined by a chrome strip which has TATA engraved on it. New twin chrome plated exhaust is suitably placed in the rear black and body colour split bumper gives the SUV a sporty feel.

The interiors of the Storm have been upgraded from the previous model. Dual tone predominant beige and wooden with deco finisher finish on the dashboard, centre console and door panels on VX top end model and dual tone black and silver on LX and EX models. Seats are fabric coloured in beige (VX) and gray (LX, EX). The steering and gear knob also follows the same pattern of dual combination respective of their trims.

The instrument cluster is larger than previous model analogue dials with bright white illumination. The easy-to-read dial’s cluster is covered in black rims. The instrument console also houses switches for AC, a cigarette lighter and a Drive Selector Knob (VX) for 4H, 4L and 2L drive settings. The centre console also went swept past the front seats, and has got AC vents for 2nd row passengers and a mobile charging point. In terms of cabin space, the STORM offers ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The dual tone interior adds to the cabin appearance neat, bigger and airy with roof mounted AC vents. The SUV gets 3 way adjustable lumber supports for the front seat and a two-step inclining 60:40 2nd row seats and 3rd row foldable jump seats. The seats are fabric and offer adequate support in the right areas.

Storm is powered by all new 2.2 liter, 16 valves DOHC Common Rail Direct injection diesel Engine named VARICOR with Variable Turbine Technology (VTT) and new G76 MarkII 5-speed Gearbox. The Engine is having high inertia Fly wheel to reduce vibration and noise at higher RPM.
The power output produced by engine is 140bhp at 4000rpm and torque figures are 320nm at 1700-2700rpm controlled by a 32bit processor. There is a choice of two drive trims being offered 4X2 (LX, EX, VX) and 4X4 (VX). The layout arrangement is longitudinal front engine rear wheel drive and longitudinal front engine 4 wheel drive with a transfer case. The 4x4 model has got Electronic Shift on fly Borg Warner transfer case 4x4 Mechanism with a Limited Slip Differential.
The 4 Wheel Drive has 5 speed manual gear box which is ment for Great overall response. It distribute 60% power to rear wheels and 40% power to front wheels when 4X4 mode is selected and is ment for improved driving in all weather condition, if any wheel start to slip the power is transferred to the those wheels with maximum traction for superior grip during cornering also. And its selector knob is placed in centre console, for 2H for normal road driving, 4L for soft roading and 4H for serious off- roading.

the Engine is made with European norms kept in mind so it comply with Bharat stage 4 complaints standard, and in India Mileage is considered as big role playing factors, and this was also reason for declined sales of 3.0 litre Safari. so the hard rock Mileage figures are provided by ARAI. The mileage figure claimed by manufacturers are 20 KMPL, And the figures provided by ARAI- 2WD--17 KMPL Highway and 14 KMPL City. For 4WD-13 Kmpl.

Storm is Equipped with Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force distribution (EBD) as standard in all variants. The braking system is equipped with ventilated disc brakes in the front and rear, with twin pot Calliper at front and single pot calliper at rear combined offers adequate braking force.
SUV is decently equipped with loads of safety equipment. All variants get front and second row-3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners. Dual front Airbags (VX). Furthermore it is equipped with side impact bars and crumple zones all models.
Other safety features include Cruise control, Rear parking sensors with display on IRVM, emergency assist ,anti-glare Rear View Mirror, driver seatbelt unfastened reminder, front and rear defogger, Door Ajar Warning, Headlamp on Key out warning, Central Lock and child safety lock etc.

Storm uses Independent Double wishbone coil spring over shock absorber front suspension with anti-roll bar and 5-Link coil spring suspension with anti-roll bars at rear. In addition to the 200 mm ground clearance and 400 mm water wading capability, offers a stabilized ride for Indian road condition and also decent off-road capabilities.
Safari Storm is based on its sibling ARIA’s X2 Platform which has more strong Hydro formed Chassis sections, and separate ladder chassis for Body on Frame Design structure and Longitudinal engine setup for 4WD capability plus the electric power steering result in excellent road and off-road manners. Body roll is minimum due to race derived independent wishbone front suspension setup and the short turning radius of 5.4 metres makes the SUV a great city commuter also.
The SHIFT-ON-FLY 4X4 feature engages 4WD on the move irrespective of road surface such as gravel, mud, water or snow; nothing stands in its path. The SUV accelerates 0-100 in 15 seconds with achieving top speed of 165 KMPH.

Storm is best affordable SUV available in market, the things which has to be looked upon are interior quality of plastic used, include gizmos that are currently offered by other manufacturers, improve the fit and finish of interior and exterior.
It may not be much refined, fast and luxurious as modern Off-Roader built by other high end SUV manufacturer, but it can keep up to the trail behind them. And can provide value for money for years.

Mahindra Scorpio,Chevrolet Tavera,Mahindra XUV5OO,Force One,Renault Duster.