[Sutripta]

@Lukeskywalker,
The much tighter turning radius:- applies to the 4x4 also?
Any details on the front hubs for the 4x4?
Rear diff LSD?
What are your views on the new gearbox. Feel. Noise. Did Tata people say anything about how much power it can reliably handle. And why not the 6 speed?

Weird thought: Is the ABS a 3 channel or 4 channel?

Regards
Sutripta

[Lukeskywalker]

The much tighter turning radius:- applies to the 4x4 also?
Any details on the front hubs for the 4x4?
Rear diff LSD?
What are your views on the new gearbox. Feel. Noise. Did Tata people say anything about how much power it can reliably handle. And why not the 6 speed?

The 4x4 too had the same turning radius
4x4 is the same as the existing one is what I was told, no changes there.
Gearbox?? If you are asking about the 4x4, we did not even touch that switch once.
6-speed could come in much later is what was told.

[superutp]

Great review!
Speaking purely on the basis of looks, to me the storme looks like a mis-match of modern and dated styling (especially the front with the rest of the body). I wish they could redo the whole design though doing so would completely change the appeal the safari had.
I was and am still a big fan of how the first Safari looked.

[Pal]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Weird thought: Is the ABS a 3 channel or 4 channel?

Regards
Sutripta

4 channel, Bosch 8.1 system with EBD

[Dr.Suraj]

Wow!

What a brilliant initiative.
I have said it before and said it again - TM is really making some serious efforts. (http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...za-owners.html)


While I really appreciate the effort by Indian companies to not be complacent and not just try to play catch-up,
I can't help but always crib about how Tata tends to botch up an otherwise promising product and some really outright negatives that tend to screw up remarkable, first in class kind of positives.

Everyone knows about Aria and GTO has ensured we never forget it.

But when will Tata learn!

What is with that HU ! Are you serious?
How is this a NEW Safari.
How can this really compete the XUV500 (unless its priced at the range of a Scorpio) in terms of creature comforts, style, features?

I still remember the Limited Edition Safari that came with a fridge/ heater, 2 LCD screens and a Sony Playstation to name a few.
Where is that magic?
Look at the unit provided by XUV500 and look at the Safari Storme dashboard.
This is more like the quiet before the storm.

Its a good 'facelifted' version.

And yes, they have made extremely good technical and mechanical changes as very elaborately covered by @ LukeSkywalker.
But the Indian market just does not buy outright performers.
And they definitely don't result in volumes most often than not.
(Following monthly sales figures religiously )

But indeed, a nice fresh post.
Something different, not seen usually.
Privileged and lucky to have been a part of this. Hope that this exercise is put to right use and not just an eyewash. Hope this doesn't get lost somewhere in various discussions and corporate red-tape.
But nevertheless,
An applause for Tata Motors
and
1 more for LukeSkywalker.

[mayankjha1806]

^^^ It will do well against the XUV is my opinion (But may not bring in similar numbers unless its priced right). The dashboard looks and design likening/disliking is very subjective. I for one prefer straight lines and non jazzy designs. Hence folks like me would prefer Storme over XUV500.

The only worrying point for me is AC not being a chiller. In such a big car its got to be powerful to make it comfortable for folks inside.

[vinjosep]

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

What is with that HU ! Are you serious?
How is this a NEW Safari.
How can this really......

In case you missed (in the Aria thread) Tata does seem to be taking some definite steps in the right direction

HARMAN to provide India’s Tata Motors with branded audio and infotainment solutions

HARMAN will leverage its world-class engineering and development teams to create custom audio, navigation, and multimedia solutions for vehicles across Tata’s model lines. The first Tata vehicle to include HARMAN products will be the limited edition TATA Aria MPV, which will include a premium branded audio system under HARMAN’s JBL brand. The 360-watt JBL sound system features ten speakers with a dedicated subwoofer, and was previewed earlier this year at the New Delhi Auto Expo.

So this will trickle down to others in the Tata lineup after Aria (as given in the press release above). The big question would be when....?

[raj_5004]

Originally Posted by vinjosep

In case you missed (in the Aria thread) Tata does seem to be taking some definite steps in the right direction

HARMAN to provide India’s Tata Motors with branded audio and infotainment solutions

So this will trickle down to others in the Tata lineup after Aria (as given in the press release above). The big question would be when....?

How will this help? Its but obvious TATA wont provide this for free. Infact there will be a nice premium for this.

Dont you think ICE lovers will prefer getting a better system from outside, tuned according to their preferences? And that too, at a much cheaper cost.

Having a touchscreen double DIN has its own advantages and exclusivity.

[ameaa]

Originally Posted by ganesc

Thanks for sharing!

@Hari - Main issue with TATA vehicles was always the Consistency in Quality. Was the overall quality better and similar across all those 3 cars??

I too agree with you. Happened to be in Concorde showroom yesterday and saw the below display safari and noticed that the fender bottom portion was out of running board. Sorry for the poor quality of picture. QA need a way long to go.

[CARDEEP]

In my opinon, however, good the Storme could be, it could be a case of too little too late, unless the new Safari is isn't too far away.

Where it counts is the good rode quality over the predecessor, Varicor engine, tyre under the body & probably few other better mechanicals & interiors.

But, it looses many good things that Tata could have tried. These include:
1. The facelift, which was essentially an after-thought, essentially to differentiate between Safari & Storme at the front. Resulting they had to think stupid designs to break the monotony at the rear end.
2. The interiors are not exactly a step-up, rather than somewhere (just) ahead of old model.
3. Last row still has jump seats. They are using the Aria (modified ~ shortened) chassis... they could have easily retained the same chassis to create room for front facing third row. At max the SUV would have been as longer as the Ford Endeavour or the Force1 SUV.
4. The seats could have been better (like Scorpio).
5. Single din music system is . There should have been provision of double din, instead of Harman or Bose (one can upgrade on own after purchase of the SUV).
6. If they plan to retain the current Safari, they should replace the top models (GX/ VX) with Storme. Safari is already costly over Scorpio & even costlier Storme will be in no mans land (even for buyers).
7. New Scorpio project has been started & it will also ride better than the current Scorpio, plus, it will be longer liberating more room for 2nd & 3rd row seats. Disadvantage Storme/ New Safari again.

Tata should infuse better blood in Automotive Division if they wish to keep the brand alive.

However, I have seen few posts comparing the Safari/ Scorpio to Ertiga/ Xylo & other people movers which IMO is not just.

At the end I must say that Luke you have done a wonderful job & instead of calling you Luke I should call you Lucky for the opportunity that you have got & enjoyed. Thank you

[advaitlele]

Luke - thanks for the wonderful review - almost a Q before actual launch. WOW. How do you guys get so lucky???

You wrote and tested this like a pro.

Storme to me looks like a facelifted Safari rather than ALL NEW.

Tatas better get their act together - as most of us have posted earlier
1. 2-din touchscreen is a must
2. Add GPS to the 2-din system - its WOW.
3. Personally, for me, spare wheel on the back was adding to the personality of the vehicle. Plain back does not gel well to the overall styling.
4. Front was again better in old Safari - but I guess not too bad, and would grow on most of us.

Some of us commented about rear wheel arch cut as an afterthought to accomodate the fuel lid - well Its something similar that Toyota has in Fortunner; so nothing odd I feel, or did Tata want to Toyota way?


Pricing - most important question. Disaster if they price it between Safari and Aria. We all know what an otherwise good product made itself thanks to insane pricing.

Safari should give way to Storme. Or Safari should sell only in EX variant at the bottom end.

All the best. I have anyways deferred my purchase for next Q; better decision I feel.

[condor]

Originally Posted by advaitlele

Some of us commented about rear wheel arch cut as an afterthought to accomodate the fuel lid - well Its something similar that Toyota has in Fortunner; so nothing odd I feel, or did Tata want to Toyota way?

Neither. The fuel lid is in exactly the same position it was. It's the cladding which is now larger, and the cladding has been shaped to not interfere with the fuel lid.

Here's a pic comparing the old & new Safari. This was put together by a fellow TBHP-ian, and can be found in the Storme thread from AutoExpo.

[vinjosep]

Originally Posted by raj_5004

How will this help? Its but obvious TATA wont provide this for free. Infact there will be a nice premium for this.

Dont you think ICE lovers will prefer getting a better system from outside, tuned according to their preferences? And that too, at a much cheaper cost.

Having a touchscreen double DIN has its own advantages and exclusivity.

You are right, a raise in the price is a possibility in such a case.

But on the other hand, there are people like me who prefer a facotry-fitted system of good quality than going for an aftermarket option. The advanage is that one would hopefully get steering mounted controls alongwith. The key word here is "good" - a relative term, of course. But as an e.g. I would point the ICE in the new swift dzire. Seems to satisy most of the common needs (audiophiles discounted) along with the flush fit which gels with the overall IP. It could be given as an optional accessory, just as in the case of come premium cars out there. Hoping for something similar in Storme too, since this might be factor for a few like me.

ICE lovers will anyway go for an aftermarket one , so the current offering in Storme would just suit them. Lots of potential I guess!

[madan80]

I still feel its time Indian auto manufactures wake up and realize that basic ABS & Airbags should become standard. Its how the seatbelt took a good 10 years to become standard (and functional) and enforced, ABS, IMHO, is becoming important - with the improving roads and increasing speeds. I shudder to think that with a vehicle going at 120, weighing well over a tonne and a half - i slam the brakes and- then pray that the wheels don't lock...

Since Tata has taken so much effort in putting together a new model - I believe they should include the basic ABS atleast in all models.
Starting with the basic LX to the top end VX. If I just want a basic version for my highway travel/ city travel sans the gizmos of rear AC, cup holders etc, but am safety conscious - I would then not look at the safari because it offers no ABS.

I suspect M&M have got this and have installed ABS & Airbags in the XUV. Commendable move for sure.

If they offer the LX with ABS (and a 4x4 on order)- im going to plonk my money down and get me one of them!

[Rajat]

@Lukeskywalker: Thanks a Million for a thorough and crisp review.

A Safari with better brakes+negligible rolling+no fishtailing+wider track+improved interiors is like a dream come true. An otherwise competent vehicle has taken a lot of bashing due to multiple quality and driveability issues. Alas it took 14 years for the product to reach this level. From the looks of it, one can make out that even the panel gaps on the body have also been ironed out. Few questions that i have:

1. Is the Storme basically a Safari body shell on Aria Chassis+Engine?
2. Are there no Steering mounted controls?
3. Any chances of a Petrol Engine variant in near future?
4. Was the vehicle you tested the final version that will make it to the market or are there any possible changes that might take place before the vehicle is launched?

Thanks.