Review: Tata Safari Storme

New Delhi, Oct 17: Among the first SUV to enter the Indian market, the Tata Safari, has gone for an overhaul. The popular model has now been redesigned from the ground up and shares chasis with the Tata Aria and looks surprisingly similar to the outgoing Safari model. Here are some of the exclusive features that you'll see in the Tata Safari Storme.The company is hopeful the new model will heat up the competition in the entry level SUV market in India. EngineUnder the bonnet, the SUV uses the same 2.2-litre DiCOR turbodiesel engine present in the current Safari DiCOR and the Aria, delivering around 140bhp and 320Nm of torque. However, the company says the new model is more fuel efficient than the existing model. The new model looks less brawny than the existing model since the spare wheel is now tucked under the body. The sides get a wider running board and new design alloy wheels. In addition, twin chrome-tipped exhausts add to sportiness of the vehicle, aided by the high-mounted spoiler. The rear portion also becomes more appealing due to chrome strip and a grey-coloured band. All combined the Storme at 4655mm long, 1965mm wide and 1922 high is 5mm longer, 47mm wider and 3mm lower than the older Safari.Space and comfortThe inside may remind you of Aria. There's enough of legroom, headroom and shoulder room to comfortably seat a family of five along with the luggage and the pet dog. The material quality also seems to have been considerably enhanced that makes it plush and satisfactory than before. It has all beige interiors with high quality of fabrics and plastics. All new Tata Safari Storme sports new meter dials with white backlight. The four spoke steering wheel and gear knob comes wrapped in leather. The new model's instrument dials are easily readable with white background light. There is a new round knob behind the gear can be used for easy switching between two wheel drive and four wheel drive. The Safari Storme now sports powerful AC with automatic climate control and rear AC vents. It also features power windows and electrically adjustable and fold-able side mirrors. In all, the interiors give a sense of comfort and style, making it stand out in the crowd. Acceleration and performanceThe company promises that 2.2 litre of DOHC DICOR diesel engine delivers better performance with good acceleration under the normal city conditions. The engine has a displacement of 2179cc that churns out peak power of 138bhp at rate of 4000rpm along with 320Nm of maximum torque at the rate of 1700 rpm. In addition, the company also claims that the SUV can attain 100 km per hour speed in merely few seconds. Features The Safari Storme has features like a Bluetooth-enabled single DIN music system, unique audio controls, power windows, a smart key for switching on and off the headlights, central locking, auto-folding mirrors, an illuminated glove box, reverse parking sensors with the display integrated in the rear view mirror, a center armrest with a storage box and bottle holders for the middle row. The consumers will also get charging sockets for all three rows.Handling and safetyThe SUV offers six airbags, ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Traction Control and Brake assist. Other safety features include parking sensors for better parking and fog lamps. Price and mileageThe base model 4X2 LX will cost you Rs 9.95 lakh, 4X2 EX comes for Rs 10.77 lakh, 4X2 VX for Rs 12.37 lakh and 4x4 VX for Rs 13.66 lakh. Although the Storme is lighter than previous model, it is likely to give you a fuel efficiency of around 10km/ltr in city and 14km/ltr on highways.Tata Safari Storme is available in seven variants:LX 4x2 - Rs 9.96 lakhEX 4x2 - Rs 10.77 lakhVX 4x2 - Rs 12.37 lakhVX 4x4 - Rs 13.66 lakhShades available in Tata Safari Storme:Urban BronzeAstern BlackPearl ChampagneSardinia RedPearl WhiteArctic WhiteArctic Silver