Tata raises a storm

Tata recently unveiled the latest avatar of its oldest surviving SUV Safari. Packed with new design, refined engineering and a formidable driving experience, the new Safari Storme hopes to bring the auto manufacturer in the top spot in the entry level SUV segment. Ammar Alvi checks out what’s so real about this ‘Real SUV’.

Tata Motors calls it a ‘Real SUV’. Unveiled with new features and performance, the company is hoping to be able to raise a storm with the new Safari Storme. According to the company, the new Storme combines luxury and comfort with raw power and supreme off-roading performance.

According to Karl Slym, Managing Director of Tata Motors, “We were the first to introduce SUVs in India. We now leverage our experience and customer understanding, creating an ideal SUV for today’s motorists, who desire in their vehicle a perfect combination of versatility and luxury.”

The new Tata Safari Storme comes with a 2.2-litre VariCOR engine with VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) delivering 140 PS and 320 NM of torque. The Storme reaches a top whack of 0-100 km/h in under 15 seconds and offers better drivability, lower NVH and ESOF (electronic shift-on-fly) technology, enabling engagement of the 4x4 or 4X2 mode, on the move. The company claims that it will give a fuel efficiency at 14 kmpl in the 4x2 variant and 13.2 kmpl in the 4x4 variant.

The Safari Storme comes with a ground clearance of 200 mm, with 26 degree grade ability. The new rack and pinion steering system offers pretty good feel and accuracy, for a confident driving experience, especially at high speeds. Reverse parking system with audible and graphical representation on the antiglare IRVM (Inside Rear-View Mirror), electrically operated power fold ORVM (Outside Rear-View Mirror) with turn signals make it a good proposition.

In the style front, the Safari Storme has an all-new front look grille, side cladding, new projector headlamps and an all-new rear look. The bonnet now boasts of a ‘power bulge’, which gives it a sportier look. Aerodynamically designed spoilers, new pull-type door handles and ergonomically designed side foot-steps, ensure easy entry and exit. The tailgate trim comes in an all-new guise of ergonomically designed grab handles and a spare tyre located underneath the vehicle. The new chrome-tipped twin exhausts add to the sporty demeanor of the vehicle, and the newly-designed roof-rails add to the muscular look.

Interiors have also been spruced up and you will now find an ergonomically shaped gear knob with chrome highlights, wooden accents on the dashboard and door trims, a new instrument cluster, chrome-lined speaker grilles, inside door handles and a refreshing dual color theme.

The vehicle also comes with vacuum assisted independent hydraulic, ventilated disc brakes on all four-wheels and a 4-channel ABS with EBD, which helps in keeping the vehicle under control, during emergency braking conditions. The Safari Storme prices start at `9.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We are hoping that it will raise some storm in the SUV market and bring back the lost sheen.