RIDERS ON THE STORME

SIPRADI Trading, the sole authorised distributor of Tata vehicles in Nepal, introduced a new SUV, the Tata Safari Storme, on Thursday. The company has said that the Storme is a combination of luxury and comfort with raw power and supreme offroading performance. Initially, two models of the Storme, the LX and VX, have been introduced. The new launch from Tata will be competing with popular SUV models like the Mahindra XUV 500, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan, among others. Commenting on the launch of the new vehicle, Gurinder Singh, country manager, Nepal and Bhutan at the passenger vehicles business unit of Tata Motors, said, “In addition to our current dynamic offerings, we now introduce the Tata Safari Storme. We are sure that customers will

be delighted with the look and off-road capability of the real SUV, the Safari Storme”. The new vehicle from Tata is equipped with a 2.2 l VariCOR engine, turbocharged with VTT (Variable Turbine Technology). The company has stated that its engine can deliver 140 ps of maximum power output and 320 nm of peak torque, providing easy driveability, swifter response and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 15 seconds. Despite featuring a powerful engine, the LX variant (4 x 2) has a fuel efficiency of 14 kpl and the VX (4 x 4) variant has a mileage of 14 kpl. According to Tata Motors, the Safari Storme’s ladder frame chassis is constructed with advanced hydro formed members for high load capabilities and robustness. Hydro forming enhances rigidity while reducing weight. The vehicle also has a double wishbone suspension set-up which provides excellent ride comfort. The Safari Storme boasts best-in-class turning circle radius of 5.4 m, making driving and manœuvring in tight confines easy. The ground clearance of the vehicle stands at 200 mm. The new rack and pinion steering system offers perfect feel and accuracy for a confident driving experience, especially at high speeds. Reverse parking system with audible and graphical representation on the antiglare IRVM (Inside Rear-View Mirror) and electrically operated power fold ORVM (Outside Rear-View Mirror) with turn signals, enhance the driving experience. In terms of looks and styling, the Storme has an all-new front look grill, side cladding, new projector headlamps and an all-new rear look. The bonnet boasts a “power bulge”, which gives it a sportier look. Aerodynamically designed spoilers, new pull-type door handles and ergonomically designed side foot-steps ensure easy entry and exit. The tailgate trim comes in an all-new guise of ergonomically designed grab handles and a spare tyre located underneath the vehicle. As for the comfort factor, there is ample leg space and headroom to accommodate the family, and also plenty of luggage space. The integrated 12Vgadget charging points are available on first, second and third row seats. The vehicle is equipped with a dual-AC with a separate integrated roof mounted blower for rear passengers. The Safari Storme integrates In- Mold Graining (IMG) technology, along with hand stitched leather steering, for a real feel of luxury. Crumple zones, side intrusion beams on all four doors, dual SRS airbags and the collapsible steering column keep passengers safe from all sides. Other safety features of the vehicle include vacuum assisted independent hydraulic, ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels and a four channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), which helps in keeping the vehicle under control during emergency braking conditions. In addition, there are features like the inertia switch and an auto engine immobilizer. Sipradi Trading has stated that the vehicle has been priced at Rs 3.78 million for the LX variant and at Rs 5.18 for the VX variant. The range is available in urban bronze, sardinia red, pearl white, pearl champagne and arctic silver colour options.