India’s first full fledge SUV Tata Safari has been captivating Indian automotive market since mid 90s but as the years went by it unable to sustain its magic. Later on, it was completely outshined by Mahindra Scorpio who dethroned Safari completely out of the list. However, Tata showcased Safari Storme during 2012 auto expo and done vigorous testing before launching it on Indian shores.
In mid 2015, Tata launched the rugged SUV with minor tweaks in both two wheel and four wheel drive versions but still it somehow failed to deliver the same success for the car maker like previous model. So in a bid to improve the selling prospect of the SUV, Tata has silently rolled out its more powerful version. Christened as VARICOR 400, it is available on top of the line VX trim and delivers 25 percent more torque than the standard variants.
The Safari VARICOR powers the same engine of Hexa concept which was displayed at 2015 Geneva motor show. The 2.2 litre VARICOR diesel engine delivers 155bhp of max power@4000rpm and 400Nm of torque@1750-2500rpm paired to an all new G6450 6-speed manual gearbox. As compared to other variants, the VARCIOR 400 produces 8bhp and 80Nm of more power and torque output.
The powerful engine also helping it in achieving faster numbers as it now achieve 0-100km/hr feat in just 12.8 seconds which is even faster than Mahindra XUV500 (13.4 sec) and Toyota Fortuner (13.3 sec) at least on paper. It is available in both 2WD and 4WD systems with optional shift on fly wheel drive. The standard SUV variants will continue to deliver 148bhp and 320Nm and mated to a five speed manual gearbox.
The Tata Safari Storme VARICOR 400 is available in five colors which are urban bronze, pearl white, arctic silver, arctic white and astern black.
Apart from these mechanical alterations, the SUV gets no other change at all. As said earlier it is based on VX trim so it comes loaded with features such as three spoke multi function steering wheel, black interiors silver embellishments all around, new Harmon Kardon six speaker audio system with bluetooth telephony, I-Pod, AUX-in support, height adjustable driver’s seat, rear AC vents, speed sensing volume control, reverse parking sensors, electric ORVMs, engine immobilizer, side intrusion beams, Dual front airbags and Anti-lock braking system (ABS). Sales have already commenced for the Safari VARICOR 400 across the country.
Prices of Tata Safari Storme VARICOR 400 (ex-showroom Delhi)
- Safari Storme VX 4×2 – Rs. 13, 25,530
- Safari Storme VX 4×4 (AWD) – Rs. 14,59,952
Mr. Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “We at Tata Motors are delighted with the launch of a new more powerful variant of the Safari Storme – the Safari Storme VX. With a massive road presence, along with superior on-road and off-road capabilities, the new VX variant of the Safari Storme with Tata Motors new VARICOR 400 engine and a new six-speed gear box, will further exemplify the excitement and performance quotient of India’s most popular SUV. With features and capabilities of the new Safari Storme based on our Horizonext approach, we are committed to constantly listening to our customers, making the country’s most popular SUV even more popular and a perfect companion on every journey.”
