Tata will give the Safari Storme a more comprehensive facelift in 2016 to address the lack of features offered by rivals. It will also get an automatic transmission to broaden its appeal.
Tata Motors recently launched the Safari Storme facelift in India. The SUV needed a comprehensive upgrade to make it a compelling buy but the company has decided to make some very small amendments and play it safe. The lack of equipment compared to rivals has been left unaddressed. The major saving grace for the facelift is the pricing as the vehicle starts from Rs. 9.99 lakhs. However, our sources inform us that a much more comprehensive update is on the cards for 2016 which would address most of issues which plague the SUV currently.
The facelifted Safari Storme skimps on a lot of equipment which is present in cheaper Tata cars like the Bolt and Zest, something that comes across as surprising. Leather seats, climate control AC and front facing third row seats are conspicuous by their absence. Some of the desirable changes that it gets are a new steering wheel similar to the one on the Zest, a Harman audio system with Bluetooth audio streaming and minor changes to the exteriors. The 2016 facelift of the SUV would see changes in all the areas. It will get a double din audio system which will look much more upmarket.
Changes to the drivetrain have been minimal in the current facelift of the Safari Storme with the only noticeable change being a bump of 10 PS in power figures. The 2016 facelift will most likely get a 6-speed automatic transmission which shall make driving the beast more effortless. The other eagerly awaited SUV from Tata Motors is the upcoming Q501 SUV which will be based on a Land Rover platform to give it much better off-roading credentials and a luxurious feel. The looks will be inspired from the Hexa concept which was showcased some time ago. If priced and packaged well, it would shake the segment.
