Tata Safari Storme VX 4x4 5000km Long Term Review

  • Dec 15, 2014
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We take the Safari Storme on a road trip to gauge its long distance, mile munching abilities...

Tata Safari Storme

So far we have told you about the Tata Safari Storme and its ability as a daily driver; it’s large and heavy, but its engine torque and good visibility help make it manageable. We have also told you about its ability as an off-roading tool; here too, if it weren’t for the weight, size and road biased tyres, it would have been exceptional. But even now, it’s not bad for some mild slush, gravel and slippery hill climbs.

This month, however, we decided to explore the intercity travelling capabilities of the Safari Storme by clocking over 2,000km on highways. Let’s talk shortcomings first. The Storme is a heavy car and it reflects in its fuel economy. Though we think an economy of over 10kmpl in the city is acceptable, we had expected this number to climb significantly over long distance driving. But, the Storme only managed to return a little over 12kmpl. And this over four-lanned highways with limited traffic.

Then there are the headlamps. These lack both reach and spread and as a result driving at night proved to be both slow and straining. It could also do with more adjustability for the driver’s seat; currently, the seat doesn’t lower enough and the steering always seems to get in the way. It also needs better placed wiper stalks and regular steering mounted audio controls. And better Bluetooth integration…

But as a car to spend long hours in, the Tata Safari Storme proved pretty good. It has a big useable boot and if packed right, one can get in quite a bit of stuff in there. At least, I did. It also has fantastically roomy interiors for five people and those seats all around are both comfy and spacious. But, my favourite bit is the cabin insulation. It’s not luxury-car quiet, but the wind and road noise seeping in, never gets too much; in fact, the Storme has one of the quietest cabins in its class. Then there’s the Storme’s ability to clamber over almost anything and carry on as nothing happened. It helps when you have to go past an endless line of trucks in the middle of the night over nothing but rubble (interstate border crossings anyone).

But what good is a highway car, if it can’t cruise, right? Well the Safari can, and very well at that. The Storme has good straight line stability even at three digit speeds; strong and tractable engine; and reliable if not the sharpest acting brakes. Overall then, as a highway car to transport five people and their luggage in both comfort and safety, the Tata Safari Storme, gets a thumbs up.

Date Acquired: August 2014

Total km till date: 18,651km

Km this month: 2,216km

Fuel consumed:  179 litres

Efficiency: 12.4kmpl (As tested)

Cheers: Quiet cabin, space, cruising ability

Sneers: Range, light spread, ergonomics

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