Tata has officially launched the new variants of the Safari Storme with the 400Nm VariCOR engine with prices starting at Rs 13.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The updated engine is mated to a new six-speed manual transmission in the seven-seater SUV.
The performance of the refreshed engine is much higher than the current unit. While the displacement remains the same at 2.2-litres, the rating has gone up to 154bhp and 400Nm. The new manual transmission has six ratios and that should have a positive effect on the NVH levels of the SUV. The company claims that the Safari Storme, with this engine, can make to 100kmph from standstill in 13 seconds.
The Safari Storme with the new engine is available in the top-end VX trim, in both 4x2 and 4x4 (with Electronic Shift on-Fly) drive options. Like we had reported earlier, the company is charging a premium of Rs 15,000 and Rs 17,000 on the 4x2 and 4x4 variants respectively. In terms of weight, the VariCOR400 weighs about 15 kilograms more than the previous versions and should not have any bearing on the overall ride and handling. The VX 4x4 version of the Safari is priced at Rs 14.60 lakh.
Commenting on the launch, 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 6-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.”