Tata Motors, the country's largest auto manufacturer, enthralled the Indian audience with the Safari Storme launch on October 17, 2012 and the latest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is all set to become the company's flagship model in the segment. Safari Storme boasts of both an opulent and great exterior appearance, incredible fuel economy of 14 km per litre and a highly aggressive price tag of Rs. 9.95 lacs in the ex-showrooms of New Delhi.
The Force One and Safari Storme SUVs make an interesting mix in the Indian SUV market and some unfriendly firing is certain between the two rivals. Looks wise, the 2012 Safari Storme comes with a number of enticing interior and exterior attributes, which distinguishes the Tata SUV against Force One. The new product from the stables of Tata boasts of an entirely redesigned front fascia with an exciting new front look grille, projector headlamps, side cladding and a 'power bulge' on the bonnet that completes its macho design. The rear end complements the front with aerodynamically inspired spoilers, sporty tail lamps and no rear mounted spare tyre. Among the other eye catching attributes, the all new chrome plated double exhaust vents and the fresh roof-rails are an added plus towards completing the Safari Storme's powerful road presence.
Coming to under the hood specifications, the Safari Storme incorporates a 2.2 litre VariCOR diesel motor, turbocharged with VTT (Variable Turbine Technology), which churns out a peak power-torque output close to 140 bhp and 320 Nm, respectively. The engine ensures smooth and hassle free driving experience, quick response and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). The Storme comes with a 4x2 and 4x4 drive modes, where the former gives a fuel efficiency of 14 kmpl while the latter delivers a mileage of 13.3 kmpl.
On the other hand, Force One SUV comes trimmed with a 4 cylinder, CRDI 2.2 litre FM Tech (Force Motors Technology) turbo motor that rolls out a maximum power-torque output of 140 bhp and 340 Nm, respectively. Hence, from the power and performance perspectives both Safari Storme and Force One deliver similar results but the lack of a 4x4 or All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a big demerit for the Force Motors' SUV. Further, the Force One falls flat on its knees in terms of an overall visual appeal and styling quotient. Top Industry experts and many domestic buyers consider the Force One SUV to be of an obsolete built with no fancy interior or exterior attributes.
Another big differential in terms of pricing lies between the Safari Storme and Force One. The Force One comes in two models, one at a price tag around Rs. 11.2 lacs while the other being priced at Rs. 11.4 lacs and thus, a sharp contrast comes up in its comparison with the Tata SUV. The freshly introduced 2012 Tata Safari Storme competes directly against the likes of Mahindra XUV500, Scorpio, Renault Duster and Force Motors One. Hence, the arrival of Safari Storme has definitely upped the competition in the Indian SUV market.
