Tata Safari Storme
It may be long in the tooth now but Tata Motors hasn’t given up on the Safari just yet. To be called the Safari Storme when launched in mid-2012, the SUV gets revised styling as part of the comprehensive update. The L-shaped headlights are new, the front grille is different and the side cladding more pronounced. Even the tail gets a makeover with restyled lights and the spare wheel now repositioned under the body. Unfortunately, the styling tweaks do not pass off as anything more than a facelift and that’s disappointing on a design that’s over a decade old. That said, massive interior space is a given on the Storme and the cabin also benefits with a serious quality upgrade.
Powering the Storme is Tata’s familiar140bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel Dicor engine but it’s the adoption of Tata’s modern X2 platform on the Safari that has changed the way it drives. Apart form improving driving dynamics, the new chassis also makes the Safari cabin a lot quieter than before. So the Safari Storme is more than just old wine in a new bottle. If Tata prices it in the Rs 9-10 lakh range, the Safari Storme could still win itself a sizeable fan following.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 11 lakh
