[Musa]

Originally Posted by the VTEC guy

This is good. Tata's are looking to load the VX with more features. I am sure a double din in dash is not far away.



Tata's do have a front facing version of the Storme engineered and ready. Sure its not for India. I think this was showcased in Geneva. From what the pics suggest is these are front facing side folding jump seats. European market requires front facing as per regulation. however what is not sure is why doesn't Tata want to offer this in India. They can even try it as option.
Heres the picture-

Thanks a ton VTEC guy !!
Great to see the pics, the 3rd row seat looks odd but still, something!
Now I have something to confront V from TML and demand an answer.
And yes, why won't Tata offer this in India. One more enigma of the Tata way

[Aceman82]

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

Its not about just putting the seats that way. A whole process of ARAI regulation, licenses and what not needs to be done if you are changing somethings. Its a whole new project.

Believe me its quite easy to convert those 2 seats. Its no rocket science and not a big deal. If i remember right Pavan Kadam did it in his safari.

I don't really understand. As per your inputs it is easy enough to fit front facing seats but Tata Motors would not be able to do the same due to some ARAI certification ?

As per my understanding , for the Storme the chassis is new , brakes are new , mechanical underpinnings are different , Steering is new, everything else is tweaked and TML can get ARAI certification for all those changes easily but cannot get certified for changing the orientation of the last row of seats from side to front since changing that it would make it a new project (assuming all mechanical/electrical/braking changes would not constitute as new project in itself)?

If true , then ARAI then truly does work in mysterious ways.

[ebonho]

The reason is simple - its not a regulatory requirement in India. In the EU it is.

From what I have heard, the front facing seats are there just to meet regulatory requirements in the countries the Storme will be sold in within the EU.

In actuality, they are not comfortable -when compared to the jump seats. So that's something.

What immediately strikes is the humongous headrests and the almost non-existant clearance from the floor.

[amit_mechengg]

Originally Posted by Aceman82

I don't really understand. As per your inputs it is easy enough to fit front facing seats but Tata Motors would not be able to do the same due to some ARAI certification ?

As per my understanding , for the Storme the chassis is new , brakes are new , mechanical underpinnings are different , Steering is new, everything else is tweaked and TML can get ARAI certification for all those changes easily but cannot get certified for changing the orientation of the last row of seats from side to front since changing that it would make it a new project (assuming all mechanical/electrical/braking changes would not constitute as new project in itself)?

If true , then ARAI then truly does work in mysterious ways.

To explain in better i exactly dont have the ARIA standards and the rules with me right now. I had a list earlier which i am not able to find.

The cues come from the very old fact that Grande, was called as SUMO Grande, this new Merlin called as SAFARI Storme, Vista called as INDICA VISTA, Manza called as INDIGO MANZA.

When the necessary certifications and permissions are sought after by any manufacturer they file the documents under various sections of ARAI.

For example the Safari shell remains the same. So the old rollover safety, seating, position of seat belts etc passes under the same old certification which was obtained. Similarly engine , chassis, steering mechanism have different rules and tagged as upgrades/ similar and passed off.

For the very fact that i would like to bring out to you guys is that if tata wants to offer LX model 4X4 , they have to go through ARAI process again.


My point is very simple : You get a very good SUV with immense offroading capabilities than a XUV or Captiva or similar, why not just fit a front facing 3rd row yourself? Even looking at the pictures its simple.

[condor]

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

For the very fact that i would like to bring out to you guys is that if tata wants to offer LX model 4X4 , they have to go through ARAI process again.

So does it mean that we could hope for a EX 4x4 or a GX 4x4 ?

[amit_mechengg]

Originally Posted by condor

So does it mean that we could hope for a EX 4x4 or a GX 4x4 ?

Depending on the validity of the certification yes. Need to check with them once. I checked only for LX as i was too much interested in LX as i dint have much budget

[condor]

A EX 4x4 would be a hit, IMO

[safari_lover]

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

The cues come from the very old fact that Grande, was called as SUMO Grande, this new Merlin called as SAFARI Storme, Vista called as INDICA VISTA, Manza called as INDIGO MANZA.

When the necessary certifications and permissions are sought after by any manufacturer they file the documents under various sections of ARAI.

OT: Did Tata add words like 'Indica', 'Ingdio' to Vista, Manza to avoid the bureaucracy?

[amit_mechengg]

Originally Posted by safari_lover

OT: Did Tata add words like 'Indica', 'Ingdio' to Vista, Manza to avoid the bureaucracy?

there is a big story behind it. Cannot discuss it in this thread. There is enough money saving too involved in it.

[Lukeskywalker]

Got to drive the Storme for 3 days and over 1500 kms covering Bangalore and Goa, the vehicle just blew me away with it's on road dynamics, for all those sceptics, it is miles ahead of the current Safari and feels completely different. One of the most enjoyable drives I've had inspite of not keeping good health. Will put up a travelogue/drive experience once I recover from a bad bout of illness. We were a group of 3 tbhpians and their familes in 3 cars including the Storme, I'm sure they will share their inputs as well. Keep watching.

[condor]

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

Cannot discuss it in this thread. There is enough money saving too involved in it.

The name's fine, but the looooks !

Having driven the Aria, I found the Storme to behave as well as the Aria. Goes to prove the under-pinnings. I just wish the looks were refershed too. They could have still named it as the Safari Storme - Just like how the Grande was called Sumo Grande.

[Latheesh]

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

there is a big story behind it. Cannot discuss it in this thread. There is enough money saving too involved in it.

I have seen many posts in this forum and others for front facing third row in Safari. If there is demand in market why not invest to meet them?. These ARAI certification complications are difficult to meet for new players but for a company like TML it may not be that difficult isn't it?

Or moving spare wheel underneath made it difficult for designing comfortable third row?

[amit_mechengg]

Originally Posted by condor

The name's fine, but the looooks !

Having driven the Aria, I found the Storme to behave as well as the Aria. Goes to prove the under-pinnings. I just wish the looks were refershed too. They could have still named it as the Safari Storme - Just like how the Grande was called Sumo Grande.

Well many still love the looks of old safari. I dont feel the looks of storme are bad. Whenever you see the storme coming over a curve or the stance sideways it looks very good.

Interiors are refreshed so is exterior to lot of extent. Rear looks quite different and unique. The muscle from a tilted front angle looks too good.

Originally Posted by Latheesh

I have seen many posts in this forum and others for front facing third row in Safari. If there is demand in market why not invest to meet them?. These ARAI certification complications are difficult to meet for new players but for a company like TML it may not be that difficult isn't it?

Or moving spare wheel underneath made it difficult for designing comfortable third row?

The 3rd seat on many SUVs still remain a joke. The jump seats are better than those. And mainly with jump seat and just 5 travelling in a SUV you get enormous space to pack in the whole package of may be a LEH LAdakh trip

[condor]

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

I dont feel the looks of storme are bad.

Interiors are refreshed so is exterior to lot of extent. Rear looks quite different and unique. The muscle from a tilted front angle looks too good.

Not enough ! No where close !
If the Grande could get new looks, and everything else new, so could the Storme !!

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

Whenever you see the storme coming over a curve or the stance sideways it looks very good

The best is the view from above, front 3/q - in Urban Bronze - as seen on the brochure.

[amit_mechengg]

Originally Posted by condor

Not enough ! No where close !
If the Grande could get new looks, and everything else new, so could the Storme !!

The best is the view from above, front 3/q - in Urban Bronze - as seen on the brochure.

Well initially one would feel something odd about the Storme. But if you looks closely at even the pictures of Storme - leave apart seeing in flesh with a bit positive you will definitely love the looks. Below are some pics.