Tata Safari Storme

The Indian auto giant TATA Motors is all set to launch the new Safari Storme which is larger and even lighter avatar of the current model. Launched earlier at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the vehicle was codenamed Tata Merlin. Though the SUV was supposed to be launched by July this year, the company seemed to have change of plans and expects to launch the same by September. Tata Safari Storme will be built on the X2 platform, the same which is used in Aria. This hydroform chassis helps reduce weight of the vehicle as well as improves riding and handling characteristics.

After months of hard work the engineers at Tata Motors have made the Safari Storme look quite different from existing model. The front end of the SUV looks good with low beam projector headlamps, body coloured bumpers and round shaped fog lamps placed on the bumpers. The side profile is characterized by body coloured door handles, ORVM’s with integrated turn indicator lights and the five twin spoke alloy wheels.

Onto the rear, the vehicle gets square tail lamps as well as Land Rover inspired body design which makes Storme appealing even from the rear end. Apart from this, the rear side includes rear spoiler, dual chrome plates trapezoidal exhaust pipes, rear defogger, and a wiper. Overall styling of this vehicle seems very much inspired by Tata’s sister concern, Range Rover.

More than the exteriors, the Safari Storme is sure to surprise anyone with the fascinating elements present inside. The interiors are all reworked and superbly styled. The dashboard is given a fine wooden finish and carries integrated music system along with new instrument cluster as well as auto climate control function. The seating inside this seven seater Safari Storme is quite spacious and roomy giving the passengers maximum amount of comfort and peace.

The adjustable headrest and armrests along with separate integrated roof-mounted AC blowers add to the comfort of the passengers. Other features in this new version of Safari includes Sports meter dials with white backlight, leather covered seats, foldable passenger seats, height adjustable driver seats, power windows, power steering and 981 litres of boot space.

The Tata Safari Storme comes in two models, the one being 4×2 and the other being 4×4. Both these models will be powered by 2.2 liter DOHC 16 valve DICOR (Direct injection Common Rail) diesel engine. This engine can produce a maximum power of 140 bhp @ 4000 rpm and a max torque of 320 Nm @ 1700 rpm. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/hr in just 16 seconds and can reach a top speed of 160 Km/hr without any difficulty. With the superb performance figures the Safari Storme is sure to give a tough competition to the now shining Mahindra XUV 500.

Just like any other SUV’s the Safari Storme also has some of the standard safety features like the 6 airbags (which includes SRS airbags), Anti-lock Braking system, EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system for better traction control and Brake Assist. Some of the other safety features includes remote central locking system, parking sensors, collapsible steering wheel column and fog lamps. Apart from this the vehicle is also certified as per the European standards for crash test by front collision.