I bought the SUV(Safari Dicor 2.2) impressed by its space, comfort and its legendary cross country cruising capabilities. It has done well on all these counts during the first 40000 kms and I had an absolute great time driving this beast across the length and breadth of the country. Most of the problems come up after the car has completed roughly 50000 kms.
The biggest problem I have faced is with the service centers. They don’t seem to be very well trained and often, I have to tell them the issue and also give them a probable solution.
The car ages very fast, and by the time it reaches 75000 kms, you will begin to see almost all parts failing and replacements become very frequent. In fact, service costs post 50000 kms itself become very expensive.
The Dicor has very minimal features and I hoped the Storme will have some good features incorporated. But that was again a disappointment. They not only spoiled the aggressive looks of this SUV, but thay did not add any worthwhile features even.
People who want to buy this car(other than the fanboys) will use it for cross country drives and multiple road and terrain conditions. So at least ABS and a 4x4 for the entry level version, with scratch proof cladding all around will have the sales going up. But they have features only in the top models.the 4x4 is available only in the top end.
My next car will not be a Safari. I may pay 20 lakhs and buy a second hand Fortuner instead of spending 18 lakhs for a new Storme. Moreover, of late there are much better cars/SUVs in the same price bracket than the Storme.