The Tata Safari Storme, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2015, represents a significant evolution in Tata Motors’ SUV offerings. While not officially sold in the United States, the Safari Storme held a prominent position in the Indian automotive market as a rugged, body-on-frame SUV designed to tackle challenging terrains and provide comfortable family transportation. The 2015 facelift brought updated styling, improved interiors, and refinements to the proven 2.2-liter diesel engine. This vehicle aimed to blend the traditional Safari’s robust character with modern features and improved efficiency, catering to a diverse range of buyers in India and select export markets.
The Tata Safari Storme: A Legacy of Ruggedness
The Safari nameplate has a long and storied history in India, dating back to the original Tata Safari launched in 1988. Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, the original Safari was a pioneering SUV in the Indian market, offering a level of space, comfort, and off-road capability previously unseen. The Storme, introduced in 2012, was a further refinement of this legacy, built on a reinforced chassis and featuring a more modern design. The 2015 facelift enhanced the Storme’s appeal with cosmetic updates and subtle mechanical improvements, solidifying its position as a popular choice for those seeking a capable and reliable SUV.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2015 Tata Safari Storme 2.2 d is a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 1700 and 2700 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the Storme provides adequate power for both on-road cruising and off-road excursions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 14 seconds, with a calculated 0-60 mph time of 13.3 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l), offering a reasonable balance between power and economy for a vehicle of its size and capability. The engine is longitudinally mounted and drives the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Tata Safari Storme is a five-door SUV with a body-on-frame construction, providing inherent strength and durability. It offers seating for up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for families. The 2015 facelift brought subtle styling changes, including a revised front grille, updated headlights, and a redesigned bumper. The interior received improvements in terms of materials and ergonomics, although it remained functional rather than luxurious. Key features include hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The vehicle’s ride height of 200 mm (7.87 inches) provides good ground clearance for off-road driving. The trunk offers a generous 981 liters (34.64 cubic feet) of cargo space. The Storme’s design prioritizes practicality and robustness over outright aesthetics, reflecting its intended use as a versatile and dependable SUV.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tata |
| Model | Safari Storme I (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 d (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1700-2700 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1700-2700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2179 cm3 (132.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Max. weight | 2555 kg (5632.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 981 l (34.64 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Length | 4655 mm (183.27 in.) |
| Width | 1965 mm (77.36 in.) |
| Height | 1922 mm (75.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive (ICE drives rear wheels) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Tata Safari Storme 2.2 d (facelift 2015) ultimately represents a compelling package for buyers seeking a robust, spacious, and capable SUV. While not available in the US market, it remains a significant vehicle in the history of Tata Motors and a testament to the company’s ability to produce vehicles tailored to the specific needs of the Indian automotive landscape.
