Tata Motors showcased the Safari Storme at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi and it is about time the rugged SUV hits the market. The second generation of Safari Storme is expecting a launch in June end or early July.
Though its not the most handsome Tata car, the Safari Storme loses weight and grows bigger than the current generation Storme. Meanwhile, there is subtle change to the design of the car, which will avoid the cannibalization of the current model, as it will continue to serve further.
Featuring a hydroformed body-on-ladder chassis, the upcoming Tata Safari Storme will be platformed alongside the Aria. Although the model will grow in size overall, it will take sharper cuts with 5.4 meters turning radius in comparison to 6 meters turning radius of the current runner. It features wider track-width at the front and opts for double wishbones suspension instead of the torsion beam. This will make it very efficient in urban traffics as well as out on the trail.
In terms of interiors, the car gets plenty of plastic trims in the fittings and panel gaps. There is no change in the seating arrangement and the Safari Storme comes as a seven-seater featuring 2X3X2 configuration. We are going to miss the rear hanging spare wheel, as Safari Storme opts for under-frame spare wheel mounting.
Power will be drawn from the 2.2-liter DiCOR engine also doing duty in the Aria. This common rail diesel engine punches out 140 bhp peak power and 320 Nm torque. It features a variable geometry turbocharger for improved fuel economy at low speeds and groundbreaking performance at high speeds. Mated to the powerful diesel unit is a G-76 five-speed manual gearbox with iterated gearing ratios. For improved off-road capabilities, the Tata Safari Storme features Borg Warner transfer case for shifting from two-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive on the go.
In terms of safety, Tata has employed 4-channel ABS with EBD, all 4 discs, a new rack-and-pinion steering system with collapsible steering column, improved crumple zones, side intrusion beams on all doors, dual SRS airbags and engine immobilizer.
Pricing of the Tata Safari Storme takes a massive leap form the current Rs. 7-9 lacs range to Rs. 9-12 lacs range. The SUV will eat into the sales of Mahindra Scorpio and upcoming Renault Duster.