Safari Storme priced @ 9.99 lakh

Tata Motors is ready to dispatch the refreshed Safari Storme to dealers and the launch is expected to happen by mid-May. Pricing for the new model has been revised and the entry level LX variant will be offered with an introductory price of Rs. 9.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). We have managed to get our hands on the brochure that highlights some of the updates and puts an end to all the rumours and speculations. While there are considerable amount of changes on the new Storme but on the flip side there are some omissions too for keeping costs in check.

Powering the new Safari Storme is the same 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine that now produces 150 PS (10 PS more) of power at 4000 RPM but the torque remains unchanged at 320 Nm produced between 1700-2700 RPM. Another mechanical change is the new 260 mm self adjusting clutch, which is lighter and has a longer life. However, there is no 6-speed manual gearbox as per the rumours as the 5-speed transmission is carried over. Earlier disc brakes at the front and rear were standard across the range but the LX variant now gets drum brakes at the rear and smaller 235/75/R15 tyres, no ABS for the LX either.

The gross weight of the vehicle remains the same at 2555 kgs for the EX and VX, 2650 kgs for the VX 4×4 but 2505 for the LX because it now comes with less kit and hence the reduction in weight. There are jump seats at the rear and no front facing third row seats, shockingly the LX doesn’t even get jump seats now. Fuel tank capacity has finally been increased by 8-litres that now makes it 63-litres.

For reference, the new Mahindra Scorpio comes with 60-litres of fuel tank capacity. The fuel efficiency of the updated Storme gets a tiny bump from 14 km/l to 14.1 km/l.In terms of exterior styling, there are minimal changes. The rear and side profile get no changes whatsoever while the front gets a new grille with black ‘STORME’ embossing and revised bumper with new detailing. On the inside you get an integrated CONNECTNEXT music system by Harman with LCD display having CD, Radio, USB, AUX, iPod, Bluetooth connectivity options.

The display also doubles up as graphical reverse guide (good luck with bending and checking out what’s on display). There are no leather seats but new Java Black fabric upholstery. There is a new flip key for remote central locking. It’ll come with the same colour options but the Sardinia Red has been discontinued. Tata Motors has chosen the silver as their communication colour for the new Storme unlike the Urban Bronze for the pre-facelift model.