[RavenAvi]

Some more info picked up from Day 3 of the Media Drive event, all from Twitter:

Shift in market demand towards SUVs.


Early cabin model made in a single-tone design to identify panel gaps.


Design philosophy.


Full shot of the 3rd Specs page - 29 cubbyholes inside the cabin!



As the sun sets in the distance.








Feedback from Twitterati:












Do you get the "hints"?

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by damodar

Most of these problems were in the pre 2012 models. After the failure of Aria, Tata started using the same underpinnings for the Storme. And except for the difference in wheelbase the suspension, gearbox and the 4 disc set up is the same in Aria and Storme. No braking related issues have been reported for the nearly 70-80000 Stormes on road since 2013, so there is no need to worry on that aspect.

Agreed. Storme was one of the first reliable TATA cars. Just that it was too barebones compared to the competition and also resembled too much like the first generation to be considered anything more than a facelift.

That said, we've been having many discussions on the impact of Hexa over Crysta and XUV 5OO sales. But what about the impact of Hexa over Storme?

Hexa feels two to three generations ahead of the Storme, and if the rumoured prices are to be believed - might just turn out to be the final nail on the Storme's coffin.

In a way it's good since Hexa has a better chance at redeeming TATAs lost pride, but being a fan of the Safari from childhood days, wondering if they can still manage to sell it under the same roof unaffected?

[sunishsamuel]

Its time to kill the STORME. STORME is a half hearted attempt from Tata. With Hexa, the gap between the two cars will be too narrow and unless you are hell bent on a Safari why would it sell ?

Here's why (Btw I am a big Tata fan)

1) Storme does not have anything better to offer in comparison with XUV
2) The overall perception of the car is bad.(unfortunately)
3) Its at best a 5 seater and last row seats are not useful if you have to carry some luggage.
4) The design is too old so either they give a massive facelift to the car or just revamp the whole car.

The Hexa looks luxurious and value for money. To gain market share, Tata should price it low and then slowly increase (like they have been doing for Tiago) and also raise the prices sensibly to avoid any kind of reduction later (like the S-cross and the Endeavour Trend models )

Looking at the features and what's on offer Hexa looks much better than XUV and Crysta. I am eagerly hoping to see the bookings and sales numbers.

[Sherlocked]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Agreed. Storme was one of the first reliable TATA cars. Just that it was too barebones compared to the competition and also resembled too much like the first generation to be considered anything more than a facelift.

That said, we've been having many discussions on the impact of Hexa over Crysta and XUV 5OO sales. But what about the impact of Hexa over Storme?

Hexa feels two to three generations ahead of the Storme, and if the rumoured prices are to be believed - might just turn out to be the final nail on the Storme's coffin.

In a way it's good since Hexa has a better chance at redeeming TATAs lost pride, but being a fan of the Safari from childhood days, wondering if they can still manage to sell it under the same roof unaffected?

Storme already has low sales. The average sales for the last 6 months has been 536 units a month for Safari + Storme both combined. Tata doesn't provide the breakup for the two.
I doubt if the old Safari's (the old generation one) sales will be affected considering that it comes at much lower price point and still looks good. Storme's might.
Plus I really doubt, Tata will ever kill the Safari brand with all the legacy it carries. Updated Safari must be on their "To-do" list.

[damodar]

Half of the 6000 units a month Toyota ships of the Crysta are attributed to the AT variant. The top variant of Crysta retails for 25lak on road and the basic G for 19 odd .
So its critical for TATA to get the AT specs/price right. I am expecting the Hexa basic AT i.e XMA to be priced at 17lak and the top end at 20lak on road. At least it can sell a 1000 odd units a month at these prices.

[bageherath]

Been to Hexa media drive event today, had a close look. I am almost sold but will wait until a test ride in Nov 1st week (Got a call from Tata Motors customer support saying they will arrange a test drive in 1st week of Nov'16).







Confirms ISOFIX!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by bageherath

Been to Hexa media drive event today, had a close look.

[

Any idea what is that "rhino rack" bolted above the rear wheels? Looks too close to the wheels to be of any purpose, or am I missing something?

[bageherath]

Under body shots!





Finally me!





For sure this is a quality product.

[bageherath]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Any idea what is that "rhino rack" bolted above the rear wheels? Looks too close to the wheels to be of any purpose, or am I missing something?

Helps to get the luggage from the carrier.

[jayded]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Any idea what is that "rhino rack" bolted above the rear wheels? Looks too close to the wheels to be of any purpose, or am I missing something?

It's called a wheel step. A temporary accessory hooked on the wheel for easy access to the roof rack for loading unloading. More like a side step, removable.

Similar products:
https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Cargo.../dp/B00B11SZEK

[smekad]

I really like the new design language and attention to quality in Tata cars of late. But is that enough to get people put the money where their mouth is? I doubt. Having been a previous tata customer I really feel they should revamp the after sales experience. Have heard reports that this is improving, but still they have long way to go to challenge M, H or T badge!

I recently purchased Crysta Z AT, do I regret not having waited for this. No. Why? Because the service experience at toyota is something to be experienced.

Tata may have a better VFM, better feature packed , safer, better riding car! But until they seriously puts in effort to make their customers feel good about their purchase via their A.S.S- they will not get repeat customers like toyota does..

I sincerely hope that Tata turn around, best of luck!

[deevee]

Originally Posted by bageherath

Been to Hexa media drive event today, had a close look. I am almost sold but will wait until a test ride in Nov 1st week (Got a call from Tata Motors customer support saying they will arrange a test drive in 1st week of Nov'16).



Confirms ISOFIX!

Attachment 1568126

Are you sure thats an ISOFIX. I am not sure because the seat belt is going across. Just curious.

Thanks.

[m3_07]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

But what about the impact of Hexa over Storme?

Originally Posted by Sherlocked

Storme already has low sales. The average sales for the last 6 months has been 536 units a month for Safari + Storme both combined.

Storme & Hexa will continue to be in different territories. Storme will have an update in 2018 as a "perfect SUV - if i am allowed to use this tag line, many have patented this though "

Since May'16, the storme sales numbers are consistently positive - WHY?? - I do not know, but the numbers say. Don't shoot me - Endy/ Fortuner has a different story, follow the same link. I will not compare the two here, for the heck of another argument.

Coming back to Hexa, i feel happy to see so many new members being excited & some of the folks who were similarly interested in the first batch of 2.2VTT Safari are back too. Must be a good time to upgrade for many of us

[RavenAvi]

A rough-roading video:

https://www.facebook.com/arthur.serr...3815919945880/

Courtesy Arthur Serrao on Facebook.

Seems like it is more than capable to take on all sorts of roads.


Also, here's the sub-woofer on the bottom center of the inside of the boot door (same source):

Two pics by Stuff India, showing the various adjustable/customisable settings in the Harman ConnectNext infotainment system:

[invidious]

No manufacturer in India generates as much buzz as Tata does; maybe Suzuki to an extent. But then the latter has close to 50% market share to justify its buzz. Perhaps as Indians, we all have a soft corner for the Tatas given their CSR friendly image that they have cultivated across multiple business domains. No other business house has that kind of "people" image that Tata enjoys. Let's hope the Hexa lived upto the hype. Most points have already been mentioned - looks sufficiently butch and they seemed to have put their best step forward in terms of design, engineering and marketing. My only grouse from the pics is that given the sheer size of the Hexa - perhaps a bigger touchscreen for the ICE should have been considered - this one looks slightly out of place - like a $5 chip on a high roller roulette table.