Tata Safari Storme:10 reasons to buy it or not

I have listed below few points that can assist one make the choice. The observations are broadly based on: Exterior/Interior and Engine (mechanics).

 

10 Reasons why you should buy a Tata Safari Storme

A born SUV

1. Vehicle for die-hard fans: It’s an iconic vehicle. One should go for this vehicle in case you are an ardent fan of Safari. 

Such people will buy this vehicle, irrespective of any setbacks, and why not?

...just go for it. It would not disappoint you majorly.


2. Engine and performance: The Storme boasts of 2179cc, 2.2L 16 valve Varicor diesel engine with Power/Torque of 138 BHP/320Nm.

3. Ride quality: Excellent! Outstanding road presence. The best driver seat view.

4. Improved interiors: The interiors are much better than the older Safari. The beige finish is plush!

*There is faux wood on the top model.



Interiors get a beige finish

5. Cabin Comfort: The cabin comfort remains the same as that of the old Safari. Pilot seats for the driver and the co-passenger with arm-rest.  The rear seat comfort and the leg space, the boot area...no questions asked! AC is powerful, with roof mounted rear AC [with independent controls]. Split and fold rear seats.

Rear AC vents with independent controls

6. Build & Body: Storme gets a Solid Body-on-Frame construction using X2 platform (first used in Aria) with crumple zones, side impact bars. Most niggles which earlier safari owners faced are gone. Rattling of the rear door is gone.

7. Shift-on-fly 4WD: its electronic "shift-on-fly" feature engages 4WD on the move [only in VX 4x4]

8. Ruggedness & Improved Exteriors: The Storme has a rugged performance on any stretch of road and is equipped with ABS, EBD & disc brakes on all 4 wheels. Gets some chrome on the exterior. Roof mounted antenna. Body colored side footstep.

9. Additional Features: Better turning radius, ground clearance [200mm], adjustable Steering column, adjustable driver seat, adjustable lumbar support. ORVMs with electric de-fogger. Electrically foldable mirrors [only in VX]

10. Others:  

• There are 3 types of AMCs provided, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum AMC covers everything including battery and tires.
• Bluetooth connectivity, Dual exhaust
• Newer model – Explorer comes with Nudge Guard, 2-DIN infotainment system

10 Reasons you may think otherwise:

1. Looks: My personal view is that Tatas have killed the original masculine looks of the traditional Safari. 

The Storme now carries a more sober front while the spare wheel at the rear door, which was the safari trademark and added a robust look, has found a place under the body. These two aspects are a major setback. 

The side profile remains almost untouched. 

2. Fit & finish: This has been Tata's ill-reputed area. The vehicle comes with some indecent finishes, with uneven panel gaps clearly visible.

3. Features: The vehicle comes with basic features. Top end model has a Dashboard with matt wooden finish. 

Basic instrument console, No digital meters, no FE indicator

A music system, an analog clock, traditional rotatory knobs, AC vents. 

One big upset (for me) in terms of safety is there are no air bags in the LX and EX variants. Considering, even some hatchbacks now come with this feature. A vehicle costing above 10L should have made this a mandatory feature across all variants. 

Rear-AC features only in EX/VX models.

Gear knob in 5th slot almost disturbs the USB

4. No 4x4 on all models: 

The vehicle comes innts LX, EX and VX and VX 4x4. Ideally, Tata should have provided 4x4 in all the variants.

5. Jump seats: The Storme has retained the rear 3^rd row jump seats. This is a let-down for many as they feel, the front facing seats are better for the 6/7th passengers for a longer journey. 

Rear seats are very uncomfortable to carry any adults.
Best suited only for children

6. Kitna Deti hai?: This may not be as bad a reason, however the vehicle offers between 12-12.5 KMPL on an average, which is promised by the manufacturer to improve as the vehicle runs more KMs.

7. Service: Tata’s are known for poor after-sales-service and this could very well contribute to the list of reasons for not opting for Storme.

8. No Automatic gearbox: May not be as important, however many prefer it to be auto.

9. Price: VX4x4 will be close to 17L!

10. Others: good to have candidates

• Window glasses features an express down [one-touch-down]. It should have an express up feature as well. Fuel lid opener is placed near to window glass open/close switches and many a times, accidently the fuel lid opens up.
• Power foldable ORVMs [only in VX] features an indicator, however mind you - Tata does not sell only mirrors and in case of any damage the entire mirror assembly needs to be replaced, which can cost about 7k.
• Provides a single DIN, average quality Alpine music system. No stalk/steering mounted music controls (or only in top end model)

       * 2DIN Touchscreen Infotainment provided with the new Explorer edition.

• No parking sensors, climate control. Reverse guide system only in VX.
• Overweight, weighs about 2 tonnes, heavier than most other vehicles in this category.

Notes:

• All Safari owners can join in SOUL - Safari Owners United League http://www.tatasafari.com/soul/
• Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra XUV, Mahindra New Scorpio, Toyota Fortuner can be considered as alternatives.