The Tata Safari Storme I (facelift 2015) 2.2 d is a seven-seat SUV produced by the Indian manufacturer Tata Motors. Introduced as a significant update to the original Safari, the Storme aimed to blend rugged capability with improved on-road refinement. While not officially sold in the United States, the Safari Storme represents a popular and important vehicle in the Indian market, catering to families and those requiring a robust vehicle capable of handling varied terrain. The 2015 facelift brought cosmetic and mechanical enhancements, solidifying its position as a leading SUV in its segment within India.
The Tata Safari Storme: A Legacy of Ruggedness
The Safari nameplate has a long history in India, originating in 1988 as the first Indian-designed and built SUV, based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen platform under license. The Storme, launched in 2012, was a further evolution, moving away from the older platform and adopting a more modern chassis. The 2015 facelift refined the design and improved the driving experience, addressing some criticisms of earlier models. The Storme was positioned as a versatile vehicle, capable of both daily commuting and adventurous off-road excursions, appealing to a broad customer base in a market where SUVs are highly valued for their practicality and perceived safety.
Engine & Performance
The Safari Storme I (facelift 2015) 2.2 d is powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, producing 156 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This engine, while not focused on outright speed, provides ample torque for tackling challenging conditions and carrying a full load of passengers. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.2 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 US mpg or 39.8 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Safari Storme I (facelift 2015) features a traditional SUV body style with five doors and seating for seven passengers. The 2015 facelift included revised front-end styling, with a new grille and bumper, as well as updated interior trim. The vehicle boasts a spacious interior, with a generous trunk capacity of 981 liters (34.64 cubic feet) when all seats are folded down. Key features include hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety. The suspension system comprises a double wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride on various surfaces. Ride height, or ground clearance, is a substantial 200 mm (7.87 inches), contributing to its off-road capability. The vehicle rides on 16-inch wheels with 235/70 R16 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tata |
| Model | Safari |
| Generation | Safari Storme I (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 d (156 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 |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 33.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 39.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 14.1 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| 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 | 2570 kg (5665.88 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 |
| Number of gears | 6 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 I (facelift 2015) 2.2 d, while not a vehicle commonly found on American roads, represents a significant example of SUV development within the Indian automotive market. Its blend of ruggedness, practicality, and relatively affordable pricing made it a popular choice for families and adventurers alike, cementing its place in Tata Motors’ history.
