Review: Tata Safari Storme

Storme continues to be as intimidating as ever but lacks several modern day features that were expected on the facelift

The first generation Tata Safari was launched way back in 1998 and was developed to replace the Sierra in the automaker’s range. Over the years, the Safari managed to win several hearts of the young and old alike with its no-frills design, massive road presence and off-roading capabilities.

Now, three years since the last update, Tata has introduced the 2015 Safari Storme facelift with minor upgrades and improved power output from the same engine, all of which promises to make this legend even better. Hence, MotorBeam decided to drive the new Safari Storme facelift to see if it lives up to the name.

The Tata Safari Storme has always been a good looker and the recent facelift adds extremely subtle changes to the SUV, but it's too similar to the outgoing model. Changes include a tweaked Land Rover inspired grille with ‘Storme’ embossed on it, while the front bumper gets minor tweaks to match the new grille.

The side profile has been carried over from the outgoing model including the alloy wheels, whereas the rear now sports a mildly revised tailgate with a chrome garnish having 'TATA' engraved on it.

The road presence continues to be intimidating on the SUV, while the 200 mm high ground clearance and butch profile ensure that wanderlust bites you more often than it should.

However, for the most part, the updates are too minuscule and will emerge as boring to the layman.

Changes inside the cabin are minimal and the dashboard has been carried over from the outgoing version. Nonetheless, the interior is now finished in Java black that replaces the beige colour scheme. The centre console features a new Harman infotainment system with an LCD screen (very dated for 2015) and gets silver finished surrounds.

The infotainment system comes with a host of connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, AUX and iPod and does the job decently in terms of audio output. There is also a new reverse parking system which uses the LCD screen for the display.

The large glasshouse area offers excellent visibility to the driver and there are abundant storage bins for small things. The AC cools the cabin well, but it does take time to cool the rear seats. A faster fan speed would help here.

The Zest inspired multi-function steering wheel is modern, chunky and larger than the compact sedan’s unit. The cabin is extremely spacious with the front and middle rows offering ample legroom as well as headroom, whereas the third row gets side-facing seats that are best reserved for kids.

Power on the 2015 Tata Safari Storme facelift comes from a 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine that has been upgraded to 150 PS at 4,000 RPM and 320 Nm of torque between 1700-2700 RPM. The steering wheel feels lighter over its predecessor and torque delivery is good at low RPMs.

The low and mid-range is good on the SUV and the turbo kicks in at 2000 RPM. 0-100 km/hr is achievable in 14.11 seconds (as per our VBOX tests), which is relatively quick for the Safari’s proportions and the 10 PS addition of power is certainly felt at triple digit speeds.

The Safari also gets 4WD with electronic shift-on-fly and Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that makes the SUV ready for wading mud and sludge at any occasion. 

The engine is paired to the same 5-speed gearbox but gets a new 260 mm self-adjusting clutch that is lighter than the previous model. The gearbox is smoother than the older unit but is still notchy and the long throws make the gear changes discomforting, especially within city limits.

Given the popularity of automatics today, Tata should have introduced the same on the Safari instead of waiting till next year.

Despite the size and performance, the SUV is surprisingly frugal and returned 12-12.5 km/l with a light foot. The fuel tank capacity has grown to 63-litres and makes the Safari capable of munching around 600 kms on a full tank. 

The Tata Safari Storme facelift comes with a rigid ladder-on-frame chassis that feels stiffer than the outgoing version. The massive proportions do make it feel larger than it is on our crowded roads and one needs to be extra careful while manoeuvring the SUV. Nevertheless, the ride quality is extremely comfortable and leaves a lasting impression. Drive on undulations or roughly patched roads and the SUV does not feel unsettled.

The Safari Storme also handles really well and is confidence inspiring around the corners, far from a sedan of course. That said, body roll is evident due to the height. Cruising is the strongest point of the Safari Storme and the SUV just gobbles up the tarmac with composure. Braking performance is good with disc brakes on all wheels, but the brake pedal lacks feel, which is disappointing.

The Safari Storme facelift comes with dual airbags in the range-topping VX trim while ABS and EBD are offered on both the EX and VX trims. Considering its price tag, ESP should have been present on the SUV. The overall build quality on the Safari Storme feels good and the model is well put together. The fit and finish has also improved over its predecessor.

Coming to the after-sales service, Tata Motors is working hard to improve the same with its HORIZONEXT program, but still needs to work on providing a more satisfying experience to the customer; especially since it has a widespread network pan India. 

The Tata Safari Storme facelift makes a compelling case for itself with the impressive performance, spacious and comfortable cabin and an intimidating road presence. However, the SUV lacks a ton of features that are now standard on most rivals, which makes it gravely under equipped. Nevertheless, the Safari Storme is one of the most rugged vehicles that you can get your hands on and drive possibly on any given surface.

The SUV continues to offer great potential and Tata Motors seriously needs to put in more effort to make the model a lucrative option against the competition. For the sheer driving pleasure it offers, the Safari Storme in its latest update is a keeper.
 

Article source: www.motorbeam.com