Tata Safari Storme Review & Pictures

[Iron Rock]

Tata Safari Storme Review Synopsis: Tata Safari Storme price tag is between Rs.10 – 14.35 Lakh (Ex.showroom, Delhi). It officially launched in India in Jan 2012.​

Tata Safari - The name itself invokes respect. First introduced in 1998, it triggered the big butch SUV culture in India. It became quite popular and has a brand standing on its own. Since then; it commanded respect on the roads and instilled a sense of power amongst the owners. Tata has been a pioneering UV manufacturer in the 90s introducing the Tata Sierra, Tata Sumo and Tata Estate, ushering in a SUV culture in India. Some of these models were still said to be ahead of the time, such as Tata Sierra – Well, who else in the 90s could think of a lifestyle SUV? Tata Safari was a successor to the Sierra, not that the Sierra was a commercial success but it did lay the foundation of sports / lifestyle aspirational SUV in the mind of a developing nation.

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Initially, a 2.0L Turbo diesel version with 87PS power mated to a 5 speed gearbox was equipped in Safari. This model continued till early 2000s with mechanical and interior improvements, although grossly under powered but in a way a first true blood 5-door made in India SUV. An extensively upgraded version with a 3 ltr Dicor engine made its way in the first half of the last decade. This was a CRDI unit with the engine sourced from immensely popular Tata 407 truck, producing power of 116PS and more importantly, 300 NM of torque. There was also a petrol version that existed hitherto unknown to many, powered by a 16v DOHC unit!

In 2007, the Safari was launched with a 2.2L Dicor unit, capable of 140PS power and 320Nm torque which is still doing duty. The car was revised with a lot of comfort feature options like DVD player, LCD screen, rear AC vents etc. Now in 2012 after a long painful wait for many Safari fans, the Safari Storme (Codename: Merlin) made debut between all glitz and glamour in Auto Expo 2012, then subsequently after a further wait launched in the North of India in October 2012 (Launch Coverage: Link). Tata Storme is powered by a 2.2Liter 16 Valve DOHC "VariCOR" diesel engine with Variable Turbine Technology (VTT) churning out 140PS with 320NM torque.

While beauty is always in the eyes of the beholder, New Storme will generally appease Safari lovers. However we do think the design has moved from old stark butch character to a more subtly classy appeal. The design team hasn't had to work too hard, while it’s based on the all new Aria X2 platform, on the outset for the human eye it largely remains more of a face lift than anything else. Tata missed a golden opportunity here to bring out all new Safari 2012 body shell but rather limited it to a more refined face lifted version. Having said that, it’s a vastly improved Safari in nearly every which way one could compare it to the previous generation Dicor. Viewed from certain angles, it also reminds us of some styling cues picked from the Land Rover range.

The front is toned down from the earlier butch appeal to more classic chrome laden but conservative looks. The large Storme embossing on the front differentiates it largely from the old Safari along with the projector head lamps. Grille is an all new one and in line with the rectangular theme (as opposed to the Tata smiley grill in rest of the passenger cars). The projector headlamps look good and are a welcome addition, the fog lamps are also well placed and effective as well. The power bulge on the bonnet gives it a certain character, though it is very subtle and not as pronounced as it looks in official prints. From the sides its very identical to the older Safari with minimalistic changes, one can be forgiven for thinking this is the Safari Dicor from this angle. The side cladding seems better integrated with the body and look decent quality. Grab rails available above the rear window to ensure you can reach the carrier or the roof for cleaning.

The side steps are a must to have really, as you climb on to the car, it is useful in ingress but the positioning vis-a-vis running board doesn't make it too helpful when egress. The cut in rear wheel arch for the fuel lid looks like a design afterthought. 5 spoke alloys are standard on VX and our test vehicle came shod with Bridgestone Dueler 235/70 R16. The rear looks different largely due to the missing spare wheel and a two tone treatment. Nope, Tata haven't pulled a BMW with regards to the missing spare wheel, but it has gone underneath the rear. The matte black looks nice and compliments the rear, especially placed above the chrome strip which has a "T A T A" marked in bold. The high stop light gets LEDs, rest are standard bulbs. Tail lamp assembly is simply a no fuss design.

Though purists might complain as the spare wheel on rear gives it a certain look which the Safari owners love, however it has also taken away the problems (Read rattles) associated with the rear door. A good move in my view as it improves IRVM and general behind visibility. The downside of this move is that the fuel tank size has to be reduced to accommodate extra space the spare wheel needs underneath, upside no more lifting the spare wheel 5 feet up in air to place in the rear door. Now the fuel tank is just 55 liters – sedan class for a SUV. Eh? Overall, the exterior paint quality is good with gloss finish. Particularly the darker colors like urban bronze and black stand out. Panel gaps however still exist and some fit and finish could have been better. Anyways, looks and design have had minimal visual changes and truly carries forward the previous generation Tata Safari DNA.

 

[Iron Rock]

Tata Safari Storme Interiors and Comfort

The interiors of top-end Storme VX variant are an ocean of beige and more beige, apart from the faux pas wood, almost everything is in beige shade (Tata calls its Sandstone / Sahara Beige). This imparts a very bright and spacious feeling to the SUV all around (it is spacious nevertheless) but would also need regular maintenance, read as regular cleaning in Indian conditions. The lower areas especially get the footmarks quite easily and they would be apparent. Usually we Indians love the beige treatment though. It makes the car look royal. Doesn't it?

The dashboard and steering are probably the blandest in the segment, Tata have used a European theme to the dashboard surface while its quality looks contemporary, conservative and with minimum features, so there is less scope for any rattle and squeaks. The dashboard material contours are well chosen and will be liked by one and all but glaring omissions of many basic features of a 2012 SUV which nearly costs 16 Lakhs on road is rather surprising. Simply put, the dashboard centre console only has an Analog Clock, HVAC Controls and a Single DIN Head Unit from Alpine.

A vehicle like Tata Safari will be more or less used on roads including long distance cruising. So conveniences like a cruise control and climate control will be sorely missed. Heck, even the Manza that costs half of Storme’s price offers more features. It’s surprising why the Aria interiors haven't been used for that matter, most manufacturers will attempt to reduce costs by sharing parts but perhaps in this case there was a question of cannibalization vs Aria troubling the Tata decision makers?

The steering is basic too with no controls; however the right hand side stalks provide audio controls in line with the European cues generally followed. This works well just a matter of getting used to. The left hand side stalk has a wash and wipe functions for both the front and rear wipers. The steering is precise and taut, slightly on the heavier side at low speeds even though very well balanced. The steering column is adjustable, however not the most ergonomic, 6 footers and ones with heavy frames might need getting used to. In bad roads or at high speeds on expressway surfaces (over 140 Kmph) the steering slightly shivers and vibrations are felt.

The instrument cluster has a couple of dials, a speedometer and tachometer and housed within are engine temperature and fuel gauge respectively. A string of usual warning lights around and a small LCD display showing the outside temperature, 2 digital trip meters and a low fuel indicator. Surprisingly fuel consumption / average kmpl or DTE indicators are all absent.

The central space on top of A/C vents has a storage space, handy to keep some change as well as your toll tickets or fuel bills. The glove box on the passenger side is illuminated and adequate; it comes with a pen / card holder. Light switches are located on the right corner of the dashboard to operate the front lights and front/rear fogs. Motorized Beam adjustment has been also provided. There are twin cup holders provided in a recessed space just behind the gear lever.

Outside rear view mirrors (ORVM) are electrically controlled and adjustable; however it is not auto folding with the locking / unlocking. The defogger also heats up the ORVMs. Both IRVMs and ORVMs provide excellent visibility. However, the Storme VX doesn’t have the reverse camera but comes with parking sensors, with a look up display in the IRVM. The ORVMs do not seem to manually flex though which could be an issue if you get hit by surrounding traffic which is a very normal thing in India. The ORVMs house a signal indicator and the IRVM houses the reverse sensor display which functions adequately.

The dual HVAC is quite an adequate one with manual controls (no automatic climate control) and 10 vents overall, but no vents for the last row jump seat section. Roof mounted blower exists in the VX version. Economy mode is available to minimize compressor usage, which will help with fuel efficiency as well. The front and second row vents can be closed but a little air still passes through. A separate button is for the rear AC / cooling coils is provided. The vent direction adjustment rollers although could be of better quality.

The audio system is a basic Alpine CD player unit (comes with a remote control) offering an average sound quality, it has all the usual interfaces like Bluetooth, USB, iPod, AUX in. This probably is a sore point with ICE enthusiasts who would have preferred a 2 DIN space instead of single DIN basic unit. The speaker quality is just decent too. However, even when muted I could hear a music faintly from the system itself.

Storme’s door quality is solid and its shuts with confidence, and all round visibility is good for an SUV of this size. Power windows are all one touchdown, however not vice versa. Strangely fuel lid unlocking button is provided in the driver's door alongside the power window switch, be prepared for some inadvertent opening of the fuel lid. The rear door comes with gas strut which is good; the average security guy at your local mall will search where the door opens from. The handle is hidden from sight and a triangle marked on the chrome surface shows its position underneath.

Comfort and space has been Safari's forte and the Storme is no different. The best place to be in the Storme is unarguably the second row, as it’s popularly referred as Sofa on wheels for a good reason. Immense thigh support and ample of legroom, it can easily accommodate three full size adults. The second row seats do not have a recline feature. The front seats are comfortable though not as much as second row where thigh support is immense, ergonomics with the driver seat, arm rest, steering and the gear lever could have been better. The front seats are 4 way adjustable. You get a commanding view from the front seats with good all round visibility. EX / VX variants are available with front armrest as standard.

Handbrake when not used takes up the space in the centre console cubby and intrudes especially if you keep a mobile phone or purse there. And front seats when pushed forward hit the centre facia. The rear seats can fold forward (60:40) to create a large luggage space area. The jump seats on last row are practically useless; they only exist to qualify the Safari as a 7 seater on papers. Please look at the Safari as a very comfortable 5 seater with a large luggage capacity. I wouldn't even suggest kids the jump seat section. Anybody over 5 4" won’t be able to sit even for short journeys without his head hitting the roof, it’s uncomfortable and could be dangerous at the same time. Summing it up, the interiors are a marked improvement over the previous generation Safari albeit low on features. The Safari as a 5 seater is probably the most comfortable and spacious sub 20 lakh SUV.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Performance & Safety

The Safari Storme is powered by a 2.2 Liter 16 valve DOHC VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) or better known as "VariCor", with Aluminum cylinder head engine. It generates 140PS (@ 4,000 RPM) and 320NM of torque (1,700 - 2,700 RPM). Gearbox is an improved G-76 Mark II. The engine is extremely refined in the segment with class leading NVH levels, there is hardly any turbo lag felt even in the 4x4 version (compared to the Aria which feels sluggish at lower revs). Yes, but the gearbox needs to be worked upon to stay in the rev range. No more shoulder strength required for gear shifting either.

The engine will moan a bit if you go out of the rev range on the lower side, but does not die on you. Thus it would be very difficult to stall the Storme even for an inexperienced driver. The gear shifts are nice and short, no long throws and gear lever looks classy. No vibrations in the gear at cruising speeds. However, the leather over the gear will catch dust and the sheen lost with usage. The first and second gears have adequate torque, while the third is slightly tall. For quick overtaking maneuvers you might need the 2nd. This is not a sprinter though but more of a cruiser. It cruises 100 Kmph at a leisurely 2200 RPM in the 5th gear. Following are the various Speed / Gear / RPM ranges:

• 60 Kmph 4th Gear: ~1700 RPM

• 70 Kmph 4th Gear: ~ 1800 RPM

• 70 Kmph 5th Gear: ~ 1400 RPM

• 80 Kmph 5th Gear: ~ 1700 RPM

• 110 Kmph 5th Gear: ~2250 RPM

• 120 Kmph 5th Gear: ~2500 RPM

The clutch is amongst the lightest in its segment, this will be fatigue free in city driving, clutch response is good, more so, due to the torquey nature of the engine. Braking is extremely good with discs all around. The 4x4 version gets larger discs compared to 4x2. Brake feedback is nice as well. In our braking tests, we confirmed the ABS (coupled with EBD) worked perfectly fine in emergency braking situations, unlike claimed in elsewhere earlier. There is no dead pedal to rest the foot though, the upright seating position and in a way negates that need. People with large feet will however find the height above the pedals a little low and if you are in the habit of wearing tall boots, your feet can get stuck in the upper part. Bumblebee (our new member and ace photographer) had this problem while driving the Storme. He had to adjust his leg position over the pedals. By the way, all the good photographs are courtesy of Bumblebee and I own the bad ones.

Even though the vehicle we had hardly run in, it was smooth and felt refined. New Safari has taken the NVH and engine refinement a notch up above the competition. It will be a good long distance cruiser and equally grunty and torquey for offroad needs. Undoubtedly, with more miles on clock it would feel even smoother.

Ride Quality is the biggest USP of this vehicle. Quite simply the suspension soaks up everything that you can throw at it, our test review specifically covered all types of roads from concrete express ways, tar highways, semi laid roads, off-road farm tracks, no roads, loose muddy trails and err a dry river bed as well. Big potholes are most welcome when you are in a Safari. No more pitching and bouncing and bobbing around. The suspension behavior is immaculate at all speeds, indeed the best SUV ride. Probably only the Aria betters it slightly but that’s a long wheelbase MUV.

This vehicle never loses its composure, though in rough roads vibrations are felt on the steering. Build quality is generally solid but fit and finish needs more work. There were a few rattles and squeaks from the rear end (not from the suspension but near the rear jump seats, it created a racket off-road). Also front windows made creaky sounds more prominent in bad roads. Nothing major, but these become part and parcel of owning a Tata vehicle. Hope I am proved wrong here. Perhaps this isn’t something major that can’t be ironed out.

There are no after effects after passing through pot hole at good speed, the vehicle stays where it’s meant to be, and front doesn’t bounce awkwardly. It’s one of the best suspension setups for an indigenous vehicle. Storm comes with an independent double wishbone type front suspension with coil spring over shock absorbers, whereas the rear is a 5 link rigid axle again with coil springs - works perfectly well for Indian conditions and it comes with both front and rear Anti roll bars.

The turning diameter is 10.8M, this is for an SUV which measures 4655MM length, previous gen Safari owners would have a huge sigh of relief driving this, drive it to believe it. Yes the Safari Storme has just become nimble and easy to navigate in tight city situations. Overall, the ride quality, suspension setup, the ability to soak up the worst of off-road potholes and the best of city speed breakers gives the Safari a real edge among competition. In this department it could easily put to shame many cars even in the Rs.25 Lakh range.

VX 4x4 weights in at nearly 2100 Kgs (Kerb weight). Performance for this vehicle shouldn’t be measured in the 0 - 100kmph terms, it isn’t exactly created to win drag races. Having said that, we could still do a 0 - 100 in about 15.3 seconds in the first attempt (Measured using no hi-fi equipment, but the torque application coupled with a OBD2 connector so expect certain errors). This is a very respectable number for a heavy 4x4 vehicle. As we wrote earlier, there is very low turbo lag and as long as one stays within the gear rev range the performance is enough.

The actual performance of this vehicle should be rather measured in its ability to deal with the tough (read off-road) and at the same time, giving a respectful performance on road. Hence, 200 MM ground clearance, Electronic Shift on the fly 4x4 system (4H / 4L) with a limited slip differential give the beast a strong go anywhere character. However, do note the Storme is not a full time 4x4 vehicle unlike Toyota Fortuner. You could do extensive damage if you drive continuously on the tarmac in 4x4 to the transmission as well as tyres. Gear ratios aren’t aggressive and taller in nature, so they are designed to enable long distance cruising and return better mileage figures. The ratios:

• 1st Gear: 4.10

• 2nd Gear: 2.22

• 3rd Gear: 1.37

• 4th Gear: 1.0

• 5th Gear: 0.73

• Reverse: 4.22

• 4x4 Low Ratio: 1:4:48

In terms of safety, Tata has done a brilliant job by keeping ABS with EBD standard across all models; hope all manufacturers in India across segments adopt this approach. Dual airbags for front occupants exist for VX model. Side impact bars, crumple zones, engine immobilizer, child locks and audio warnings around seat belt / headlamp on are standard across all variants. Note that intermittent seat belt warning remains on beyond 20kmph. Overall the Storme is a competent 4x4 vehicle, despite of being low on equipment. The 4x4 option is only available in the top end VX model which is really a bummer. Why can’t a real SUV have a choice of 4x4 in all versions? Tata Motors, listening?

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Verdict, Likes / Dislikes & Ratings

The ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certified mileage figures of Tata Storme are:

• 4x2 = 14 Kmpl

• 4x4 = 13.2 Kmpl

Since the Safari Storme is an all improved Safari, there is no question about that it’s much improved product comparing to the immediate competitor and top seller – Mahindra Scorpio, in nearly every way barring a few areas like features and in gear drive-ability. The light clutch, all disc braking and near zero turbo lag with a short turning radius make it a joy to own and drive. The suspension by far is its biggest strength, its ability to take the rough with the smooth and at the same time being an effortless highway cruiser gives it an edge. However, Tata needs to really think harder in areas like design and features and go all out, especially in the wake of intense competition. The UV segment is giving a hard run to the sedan segment and the likes of Duster, Ertiga and XUV have proven the market is much bigger and it could be a volume business (it has to be!). Tata needs numbers as well; it’s no longer a case of niche buyers but low volumes. Unfortunately, this isn't sustainable for long term.

Tata needs to clearly position its offerings across various price points and segments, they need a compact SUV / MUV, a Monocoque Softroader, a tough body on ladder SUV (Storme ticks the box here!) and a reliable MUV. They need to go all out rather than half hearted attempts worrying about internal cannibalization and doing mere facelifts. They have the capability and technology; we hope to see a slew of launches in the coming years and hopefully with launches like the Safari Storme, Tata would be able to gain back their market share in the UV segment. And yes don’t forget a strong after sales is the key to everything, perceptions need changing!


Likes:

• Brilliant suspension setup for all kind of terrain.

• Refined VariCor heart with excellent NVH levels.

• The best Safari till date based on the X2 chassis.

• Strong road presence and fantastic comfort in the first 2 rows.

• 4x4 ESOF with limited slip differential and low ratios giving it a go anywhere credentials.

• Light Clutch, effective all round disc brakes and adequate handling for a BOF (Body on frame).

Dislikes:

• Pricing of the EX and VX models could have been better.

• Dated design, bland interiors and ergonomics that gives a perception of being a mere facelift.

• Fit and Finish, quality at places could be better, squeaks and rattles needs eliminating, long term reliability needs proving.

• No cruise control, climate control, MID. Missing Dual DIN and deprecating features like reverse camera and DVD Player is baffling.

• Lack of a front facing third row (its a question of internal space management and packaging). 3rd Row jump seats are ineffective and practically useless.

The Automotive India Star Ratings:

• Design & Quality:........
  

• Comfort Levels:...........
  

• Performance:..............
  

• Ride Quality:...............
  

• Handling:....................
  

• Fuel Efficiency:............
  

• Safety:......................
  

• After Sales Service:......
  

• Value For Money:.........
  

List of Niggles Experienced During Road Test:

• The audio system even on muting gave a feeble note.

• Squeaky rear pillar near jump seats and squeaking front doors.

• Plastic under seat cladding falling off, some fit and finish issues.

• Wiper stalk isn't taut, hence on bad roads wiper starts on its own.

• The latch on which the rear seat should rest, it didn't work on either sides.

• The rear seat couldnt stay still though and falls forward during braking especially as the latch looks poorly designed and couldn't hold the seat.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Video Reviews

We did some light off-roading as a part of the review and the Storme behaved immaculately. Just check out the videos below. The ESOF works great, 4H can be engaged on the fly with speeds up to 80 Kmph (as per manual). Once you engage 4H, there is a green 4H indicator on the dashboard that lights up. 4L can only being engaged when stationary and with the clutch depressed, the 4L indicator will blink for a couple of seconds on the dashboard before engaging. In some of the videos and generally in the tests both 4H and 4L mode worked precisely as they were meant to be. Do note we intentionally only did light to moderate off-roading in our tests as it was a test drive vehicle and we have to respect and return the vehicle to the manufacturer just as promptly as they shared it with us.

Tata Storme Walkaround (Note NVH Levels, Engine Volume)
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Safari Storme Walk Around - The Automotive India - YouTube

Ignition and NVH inside Storme
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Storme - The Automotive India - YouTube

Tata Safari Storme River Bed Drive
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Safari Storme Short River Drive - The Automotive India - YouTube

Tata Safari Storme Short Hill Side Drive
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Storme ride - The Automotive India - YouTube

Tata Safari Storme Turning Circle
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Turning Circle of the Tata Safari Storme - The Automotive India - YouTube

Noise from the Front Doors
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Storme Drive - The Automotive India - YouTube

Noise from the Rear Pillar (Near Jump Seats)
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Storme - The Automotive India - YouTube

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Price and Specifications

The LX and EX have a price difference of nearly 90K while the feature differences are arm rests, fog lights and roof mounted AC, adjustable driver seat and analog clock. Similarly the EX and VX have a price difference of 1.6L and feature differences are power folding ORVMs, 3 charging points instead of 2, audio controls on stalk, Dual Airbags, Reverse Sensor systems, Anti Glare IRVM, Alloys, Fabric vs Leather seats - again the price difference seems odd. The LX by far is the most value for money proposition among the versions on offer.

Note: Only Diesel models included with manual transmission. Price figures in Lakh (Ex.Showroom, New Delhi)
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Engine Specs:

• Fuel Type: Diesel

• Displacement: 2179 CC

• Max. Power: 140PS @ 4000 RPM

• Max. Torque: 320NM @ 1700 - 2700 RPM

Transmission:

• Gearbox: G-76 (Mark II)

• Drive Type: 4X4 & 4X2

Suspension:

• Front: Independent Double Wishbone Type

• Rear: Five Link Suspension with Coil Springs

Brakes

• Front: Ventilated Disc + Twin Pot Caliper

• Rear: Disk Brakes

Tyres:

• Size: 235 / 70 R16

Dimensions:

• Length: 4655 mm

• Width: 1965 mm

• Height: 1922 mm

• Wheelbase: 2650 mm

• Turning Radius: 5.4 m

• Ground Clearance: 200 mm

Color Options:

• Pearl White

• Arctic Silver

• Sardinia Red

• Arctic White

• Astern Black

• Urban Bronze

• Pearl Champagne

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Pictorial Review

Safari receives an all new fascia which certainly looks modern than old model.

Side design continues to remain more or less same though.

Taillamps look simple. Some fans will be disappointed with the missing spare wheel on tailgate.

Chunky 5 spoke alloys wrapped around with Bridgestone Dueler. Serious off-roaders might want to swap them.

This is how the spare wheel is accessed (Now sits under the belly).

Closely look at the door beadings. Some rough edges are present.

Excellent door quality. Driver’s side has power window and fuel lid switches. Note the recessed bottle holder too.

Driver side A/C vents and European style switches for lights and fogs. Also, motorized adjustment provided for the beam.

Illuminated key hole is a useful touch.

Front passenger side glove box is illuminated as well, with pen / card holder.

IRVMs provide a fair view. Do note though the electrical connectors seem wound in cheap rubber, could have been hidden within the anchor ideally.

ORVM likewise provide a good view and are power foldable too in VX version.

Electric ORVM controls for adjustment and folding.

Center top storage box for keeping coin change, receipts etc. Sometimes it doesn't close in one effort.

Center illuminated dashboard, the clock is illuminated as well.

An aftermarket fitting look alike single DIN audio system (USB compatible).

It comes with a supplementary remote control.

Front armrest errs while operating gears. Seatbelt anchor is directly under armrest which makes it a little tardy.

Recessed cup holders in the center console.

Dash contour quality is good, here is a close up shot.

A plain instrument cluster with limited information, no MID, DTE etc.

LHS Stalks for wash and wipe controls. RHS operates indicators, with single tap feature to switch lanes.

The driver side footwell with the OBD2 port. It lacks a much required dead pedal.

Front row lamps and sensors for immobilizer. The lights are auto dimming and look cool.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Pictorial Review

A vanity mirror on the passenger side sun visor to please the ladies.

Rear center floor based A/C vents standard across the range included with a 12V socket.

The roof mounted vents are similar to the ones present in older Safari.

Second row seat has abundant legroom. Both the front seats are set to extreme positions in this image.

Great quality contoured leather upholstery.

Under seat fit and finish could be better.

Roof Handles for second row are bit of a squeeze.

Front passenger side doors, all four doors have puddle lamps.

Second row door with power window switches. No bottle holder recess and a tiny door pocket

Child lock provided in the rear doors as usual.

Rear fog lamps available in the EX / VX version only.

Rear LED Stop Lights with a tiny washer jet integrated.

Fog lamp works well and also placed in the bumper in such a way that off-roading wouldn't cause damage.

Front Beam (Dipped) - Pretty good throw.

Front Beam (High) - Again good enough.

Projector headlamps are a welcome addition in New Safari.

The second row folds nicely to create acres of space.

Highly uncomfortable jump seats offer minimal head room, not suitable for kids either. Note average fit and finish with sponge seen underneath.

The removable plastic cover besides the jump seat reveals the rear seat belt mechanism.

Manual access to fuel lid and / or to change the rear bulbs. This area created a lot of squeaks while driving off-road.

Lamp provided in the jump seat / luggage area too for added convenience.

Highly inconsistent panel gaps. A typical trademark of Tata Motors.

Storme idles at ~900 RPM (Varies between 898 - 900). Astonishingly consistent idling which shows the engine refinement levels.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Pictorial Review

The wiper area has a deep recess, expect to collect a lot of leaves and dust here.

Remote key provided with central locking / unlocking and headlight control (instead of follow me / lead me home).

Steel rims equipped on the LX / EX versions.

Rear suspension coil link view when articulating.

The deep tyre tread and front independent suspension setup with coil springs.

The deep rear wheel well allows adequate articulation.

A few scenic and off roading shots.

Pitching the Storme against its predecessor.

Storme meets its prime competitor - Mahindra Scorpio.

Note: The test drive vehicle was provided by Tata Motors to The Automotive India. A special thanks to Arthur and team for the gesture.

(C) The Automotive India. All rights reserved. The content and images cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission of our authority.​

 

[350Z]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Road Test Review

Note: Tata Safari Storme official test drive review now online. This is one of the most exhaustive reviews of Storme on web.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[jayadev]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Road Test Review

This is one of the most exhaustive reviews of Storme on web.

Splendid one indeed. Kudos TAI team.

 

[Raja]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Road Test Review

@ iron rock

This review of yours has taken TAI to alltogher different level in the auto web world . This is one of the best detailed review with videos ever published on the web .

This test drive report will surely be the one to read for any one interested in safari storme .

You have highlighted the best and not so best points of the storme in absolutely no nonsense way .

This review has outclassed every review of storme available till now when it comes to attention to detail . Take this as compliment and not flaterry . and no wonder why we all wanted a official review of the storme from you and only you .

Btw have you given feedback to Tata motors regarding your experience with the storme ?

Rating the thread a super well deserved 5 *****

 

[dharmesh]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Road Test Review

Great review. Simple great. Loved reading every bit of it.

Just one question. Did you feel that footwell was cramped.

 

[freakdude]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Road Test Review

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT review mate. This review reflects the PRO in you and will help all of us understand the strengths and weaknesses of Storme. I just have one grudge, In the Dislikes, you have stated this to be a dated design whereas it is indeed a fresh one for Safari from all profiles be is sides, front or back, thought I personally like the older design.

freakdude.

 

[GM88]

Re: Tata Safari Storme Road Test Review

What a brilliant piece of work Iron Rock. Rating a well deserved 5 star to this thread. One of the most exhaustive reviews on the Storme available. Even the smallest of details have been covered.
Recently did a short Test drive of the Storme myself and was completely surprised by the way this giant handles and maneuver within the city. No doubt there are several areas where there is need of improvement too, specially the dash centre console design and the feature list is way too sparse but the overall package seems to be way better than the predecessor. Pricing to be very honest is on the higher side barring the LX variant. Would have been amazing had TATA provided us with an LX 4x4 variant. But its never too late. TATA listening??

In my opinion it won't be an outright game changer for TATA's as was the XUV500 for Mahindra. But surely it'll have its own set of fans and enthusiast buyers. The ones who prefer to make their own roads.