Kathmandu

After garnering much success with its preceding model, Tata Safari Storme will be introduced in its new facelift version with enhanced power and performance in the Nepali market. Sipradi Trading, authorised distributor of Tata Motors, is all set to launch its much-anticipated new facelift version of the SUV by the end of January, 2016. Available in VX variant with 4x2 and 4x4 options, the tentative price of the SUV will range from Rs 4.25 million to Rs 5.8 million.

“We are highly anti-cipating the launch of Safari Storme facelift as it is already a brand in its own right,” said Deepak Raj Giri, Deputy Manager of UV Division at Sipradi Trading. “The enhanced power and performance in the facelift version will persuade customers to purchase this strong SUV,” he claimed, adding that the unique selling proposition of the SUV

is its power and durability.

According to him, the SUV comes from the Land Rover platform and is best-known for its durability and accessibility on all kinds of terrains. He informed that the company aims to sell at least 200 units of the SUV in the first year of its launch in the domestic market.

The Tata Safari Storme is equipped with a 2.2-L VariCOR 400 diesel engine. It produces maximum power of 156 PS at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm at 1750 to 2500 rpm. The SUV is mated with the six-speed manual transmission.

The facelift version of Safari Storme is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 kmph in 5.2 seconds and zero to 100 kmph in 12.8 seconds, which is slightly faster than the standard VariCOR timings: zero to 60 kmph in 5.7 seconds and zero to 100 kmph in 13.8 seconds. The SUV delivers a mileage of 13.9 kmpl.

The SUV features central locking remote, security alarm and rear disc brakes to ensure safety and security. For entertainment, the SUV is equipped with Hermann infotainment with voice control. In terms of exterior, the facelift version of Storme is set to receive a few cosmetic changes setting it apart from the previous model. While the silhouette of the car will remain the same, the changes include a new honeycomb mesh grille and a redesigned bumper

at the front. The SUV might get restyled headlamps and redesigned fog lamps.

At the back, the bumper might get a collapsible step while the inclusion of LED tail lamps will be a good change and in line with the updates that most face lifted

cars receive. The cabin is where most of the upgrades are expected to be seen. One of the most speculated changes to interiors include front facing captain seats in the third row instead of the present, side facing seats.

The upholstery is revised and a redesigned central console with a neatly integrated music system is thrown in along with some more new features. In addition, the SUV also features auto down driver window, follow me home-head lamps, ORVM turn on indicators and puddle lamps on doors.

The Storme VariCOR 400 is the second iteration of the Storme and happens to be the most powerful Safari yet.