We were one among the victims to lose our earlier Safari DICOR in the recent floods in Chennai. When it was decided to be replaced, we made a brief hunt for SUV. We considered only 2L engine & not the so called SUVs. The option was very less when the budget was restricted around 15L.
Scorpio, lost the race due to space constrain. The only other options were XUV500 & Innova, both were expensive and more of MUV.
Realized that our only choice was Safari. With no major breakdown in our earlier ownership we were happy to continue with a Tata product which most might not agree. Yes, it was always reliable.
After reading few reviews, we found that the turning radius has been decreased in Storme, which was a major disadvantage in our earlier ownership. Hence we decided to go for Storme & EX was perfectly fitting our budget. The test drive vehicle was VX. After driving it for a short span, the additional features like, reverse parking sensor with audio alerts, Electrically foldable OVRMs, Alloys, Air bags made us to invest additional 2 lakhs.
Now, VX 320 or VX 400. Since there was no test VX 400 available, we couldn’t decide here. Did some detailed analysis on Internet & thought of going got VX 400. Booked it & it reached the Dealer. During the first drive, it was really surprising. It was pulling up in any Gear & power was found to be piled up everywhere. It took almost 15 days for the dealer to get it registered since this was the first 400 model in TN. Immediately after delivery, went for a long drive. Here are the observations.
Power:
It pulls up in any gear. With occupants of 4, it still pulls from 50kmph in 6th Gear. The speeds done in 2nd gear with DICOR during intense traffic are easily done in 3rd gear.
Space:
It’s a proven fact that the space offered by Safari is unmatchable even by some costlier SUVs.
Handling:
Triple digits are easily doable with no worries since it feels well planted. The new hydro formed chassis handles well when you drive it like a SUV & not Car since it has ladder chassis.
Braking:
The new latest gen ABS with discs in 4 wheels does a wonderful job. Braking distance has reduced & there is no fish tailing.
Comfort:
The features offered by Tata is awesome. Other than OVRMs & Harman infotainment, the wiper which automatically switches ON the rear wiper when we engage reverse gear if the front wipers were ON, Speed dependent Volume Control, Puddle lamps on all Doors do make you enjoy the highest comfort. However, automatic climate control, Full MID display aren’t provided but they aren’t missed.
Mileage:
Our first highway trip returned 16KMPL, with AC ON & initial dense traffic drive. We can easily squeeze out 17KMPL which is a wonderful mileage for a SUV of this size.
The only negative feel is the vibrating gear lever, but only during idle. Other than that, we would like to give 4.5 stars for this wonderful product.