![]() ![]() Power delivery from the bottom up is linear / gradual / predictable and very easy to get accustomed to. Slot the gear lever into first, ease off the clutch and you'll find the SUV moving forward with no sudden surge or shove (that you'd expect with this kind of torque). Yes, you'll instantly know it's a diesel, but Tata has kept its mannerisms dignified (more on that later). Turn the chunky key in the ignition and you'll be pleased with the noise control of the cabin. Apart from the associated changes to the engine, transmission and badge, there are no other differences. Further, there are changes to the chassis to accommodate the new manual transmission. This is in addition to the recent change to the timing belt system (for all VARICOR engines) which enhanced its service life to 150,000 km. The cylinder block, cylinder head, injectors, pistons, main bearings and turbocharger have been reworked / upgraded / redesigned, to deliver the additional performance of the 2.2L VARICOR 400. Customers with 15 lakhs in their pockets love slushboxes. Further, to widen the Storme 400's appeal, it should also get the 6-speed AT that the Hexa is rumoured to be coming with. All other versions ought to be discontinued. The Varicor 400 is the best Safari till date and this is the one that should be standardised across the range. Consolidation is the need of the hour, just like Mahindra which has 'one Scorpio' (except the base S2) selling multiple times that of the Safari. There's the old Safari Dicor, the Safari Storme 320 Nm and now the Safari Storme 400 Nm. If you ask us, we feel that there are too many 'Safaris' on sale for a model that sells only 600 - 800 units a month. It's the same thing that Tata did with the option of 4x4, by offering it only on the top-end VX trim. The premium is very reasonable and great bang for buck, but this also begs the question - why not make the 400 Nm tune standard across the Storme range? Why offer it only on the top-end VX model which costs nearly 16 lakhs on the road (Mumbai)? The Varicor 400 could have been a model USP. For the money, you get a lot more torque and an added gear for relaxed highway cruising. It's a no-brainer choice between the two. The Varicor 400 commands a premium of just around INR 15-16k over the 320 Nm Storme. The gearbox too gets updated and is now a 6-speed. That refreshed Storme didn't get the 400 Nm tune at first, but Tata has finally launched the updated engine now, with 6 BHP and a whopping 80 Nm of torque more. ![]() Many had expected the 2015 facelift tsk1979 reviewed in June this year to get the Varicor 400 engine from the Hexa concept ( link), given that Storme test mules with the 'Varicor 400' badge had been roaming around since a while. The hydroformed X2 chassis (first seen on the Aria) was a substantial update when Tata launched the 2012 Safari Storme. You have to credit Tata with one thing - over the years, they have been continually tweaking & improving their old warhorse, the Safari. Massive size & kerb weight negatively affect its offroad performance No protective plate against splashes either. 4x4's critical electronic bits & fuel tank are placed too low.Tata's after-sales service experience remains a gamble. ![]() Niggling issues & problems ( as per the many Safari ownership reports).No MID, navigation, climate control, reversing camera or dead pedal in a Rs.Not as dynamically accomplished as the XUV500, Duster or its sibling, the Aria.Side-facing jump seats (3rd row) aren't suitable even for kids 400 Nm engine tune only available in the expensive VX (top-end) variant.2015 model improvements such as a bigger 63 liter fuel tank, steering-mounted audio controls, double-din ICE, flippy key & LED cabin lamps.Low range 4x4 transfer case, limited slip differential and sufficient rear wheel articulation.Also, the X2 chassis brings better road manners & braking ability 1st & 2nd seat rows have enormous space.6-speed gearbox brings superior cruiseability & spread of power.154 BHP & 400 Nm torque! Excellent driveability, superb refinement & mature power delivery.The Tata Safari Storme Varicor 400 has been launched in India at a price of between Rs. ![]()
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