Tata Motors will finally launch the Safari Storme in September. The launch was expected to happen in March –April as per Tata officials when we had a brief chat with them during the Auto Expo 2012.
We were the first to reveal the new Safari Storme nameplate and caught the SUV during an ad shoot in Pune.
The Safari Storme is based on Tata’s X2 platform, which also underpins the Aria. The switch to the X2 platform has helped Safari attain a best in class turning radius, which has always been an issue with its predecessors. The car also benefits in terms of driving dynamics and ride quality with the new platform.
The Safari Storme is powered by the same 2.2L 16-valve common rail (DiCOR) engine (140 PS power; 320 Nm torque) with a variable geometry turbo, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) enables shifting from 2WD to 4WD even on the move.
In the front is a new grill with projector headlamps and a ‘power bulge’ on the bonnet. New chrome-tipped twin exhausts, the tailgate in an all-new guise with the spare wheel going under the floor.
Luxurious beige seats 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 with fore and aft adjustment and lumbar support make long drives a cruise, while the dual AC with separate integrated roof-mounted blower keeps the entire cabin ambient.
Read our Initial preview of the Safari Storme along with competition comparison
Click on the links below for our comprehensive coverage on the Safari Storme
Tata unveil the Safari Storme at the 2012 Auto Expo
Tata Safari Storme advertisement
Tata still testing the Safari Storme, AT variant on the card?
