Tata Safari Storme spotted with VARICOR 400 badging - Spied

14/03/2015 - 10:03 Tata Safari Storme, Tata Motors, Spy pictures Aravind Jayachandran

Badging points to an improved 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine from the Aria.

An undisguised Tata Safari Storme was spotted in the wild with a new badging on the side - VARICOR 400. This suggests that the Safari Storme will be powered by an improved version of the 2.2-liter diesel engine from the Tata Aria crossover.

2015 Tata Safari Storme VARICOR 400 badge — The Storme features a VARICOR 400 badging, which points to an an improved version of the 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine from the Tata Aria.

In the Safari Storme, the 2.2-liter diesel mill is expected to produce 160 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque (a rise of 20 PS and 80 Nm from the current model) for improved performance. It is paired to a 5-speed gearbox, and is be offered in either 2WD or 4WD flavors. Tata is also mulling for an automatic transmission option, though it may not be offered this year.

Judging by the spyshots, the test car doesn't feature any cosmetic changes on the exterior. From previous spyshots, the facelifted model will feature a honeycomb grille and a redesigned lower fascia. The interior will reportedly undergo an overhaul in terms of materials used and equipment offered, for instance it could borrow the touchscreen infotainment system from the Aria and ditch the third row jump seats in favor of forward-facing ones.

2015 Tata-Safari Storme Varicor 400 rear three quarter — The Safari Storme will get a facelift later this year.

Also Read: Tata Kite to get an e-clutch system with 10% higher mileage than AMT

According to reports, the facelifted Tata Safari Storme with the improved engine will break cover in mid-2015.

Competitors: Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra Scorpio
Expected Price: INR 10-14 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: In mid-2015 (unverified)

[Source: Team BHP]