The new Tata Safari Storme Varicor 400 uses the same 2.2-litre diesel motor producing 156 PS and 400 Nm of torque and now comes paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Improving the power quotient on its SUV, Tata Motors has officially launched the Safari Storme Varicor 400 in the country with 25 percent more torque, priced at Rs. 13.52 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Varicor 400 gets a major power upgrade over the standard version while the other major addition includes the much needed 6-speed manual transmission. The powerful variant though is available only on the range-topping VX variant in the 4×2 configuration while the 4×4 version will get the additional power at a later date.
Power continues to come from a 2.2-litre 16-valve, four-cylinder diesel engine that is now tuned to produce 156 PS at 4000 RPM and peak torque of 400 Nm between 1750-2500 RPM. The lower LX and EX trims use the same motor but with power restricted to 150 PS and 320 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The automaker states that the more powerful Safari Storme Varicor 400 does the 0-60 km/hr run in 5.2 seconds while 0-100 km/hr comes up in 12.8 seconds. Compared to the lower variants, the new Varicor 400 is 0.5 seconds faster in the 0-60 km/hr sprint and 1 second faster in the 0-100 km/hr run.
The Tata Safari Storme Varicor 400 is also faster than the more powerful Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra XUV500 as per the company’s internal tests. Apart from the mechanical changes, the SUV gets no other upgrade and continues featuring a revised grille and bumper. Inside the cabin, the Safari Storme Varicor 400 is equipped with a new multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, Harman audio system with six speakers and an LCD screen, speed sensitive volume control, all black interiors with height adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth telephony among other features.
Safety tech includes dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors among other features. In addition, Tata Motors is providing a warranty period of 3 years/1,00,000 kms whichever occurs earlier on the Safari Storme 400 and an engine warranty of 3 years/1,50,000 kms. The new Varicor 400 trim is priced at a Rs. 42,000/- premium over the older Varicor 320 version, which does sound hefty for a power upgrade. Sales have already commenced for the new variant across the country.
