The first thing you notice with the 4x4 Storme is that the steering is heavier at parking speeds. This is understandable & expected, due to the driven front axle. The second is the fact that the 4x4 loses some of the handling prowess of the 4x2. Taking a rumble strip or hitting a pothole at speed can unsettle this SUV. Additionally, heavy braking causes the front end to dive. However, compared to the old 4x4, the Storme 4x4 is literally miles ahead. If you've experienced the vague steering and nervous demeanour of the earlier Safari, you won't be disappointed.
The biggest strength of the Storme is that it's an even more effective trail driver. Bumps and rocks are soaked in effortlessly, and you can push through at really good speeds on dirt tracks without making your passengers squirm. Apart from the handling on dirt, there is the added advantage of additional (effective) ground clearance vis a vis the old Safari:
The earlier Safari had dampers hanging low and, at this very point, I used to scrape the center. The Storme clears it without breaking into a sweat. When you go off the beaten track, you'll find lots of trails covered by heavy vehicles with a raised center. This is where the Storme truly shines. The high-placed center diff is a boon.
If you decide to leave the trail, don't fret. The vehicle has enough articulation to handle most situations that a typical SUV driver will get into:
This means, unless you go looking for trouble, you'll find it difficult to lift a "leg". And if you do manage to, the rear LSD (
limited slip differential) works its magic. I took the vehicle in 2WD mode on some sections where one wheel lost traction. Revving hard could free the Storme in 2WD itself. This is the beauty of LSD. Of course, a diff lock would've been better, but the Storme is a soft-roader at the end of the day. Most owners won't ever venture beyond the basic dirt / slush trail.
The real strength of the Storme lies in the engine area. At times, all you need is the sheer brute of 138 BHP / 320 Nm torque with low range engaged. What you see below is the aftermath. I managed to land the rear wheels inside a ditch. At first, I tried to slowly get her out in 4L. That didn't work. Before calling for the tractor to tow me out, I decided to give it one last push using max power. After some wheel spin, the Storme simply jumped out of the predicament I planted her in:
As compared to the old Safari, there's ample torque in 1st gear @ low rpms. The reverse gear ratio has been shortened, and makes backing up slopes that much easier. The old 4x4 was an accomplished mountain tourer, albeit with the sore point of not having enough grunt for low speed climbing exercises. With the Storme, that point has been taken care of.
Last but not the least, no dust makes its way inside the cabin. In the old Safari, even in air-con recirculation mode, driving through fine dust would leave you choking. Not so in the Storme. Tata has fixed a major flaw.
So, all is perfect? Nope. There are a couple of weaknesses. As mentioned in the previous post, I have my concerns on the waterproofing of the 4x4 electronics, including the transfer case solenoid. Then, the fuel tank's new position makes it prone to damage. If you're traversing through rocky ground, you have to be cautious. Then, the cladding is body coloured. No full black (paintless) option means ugly scratches are easily had:
Its massive weight works against the Storme off the road. In sand or slush, you will sink. The old 4x4 loved to sink, and the new Storme (even if a bit lighter) isn't any better. Tata needs to go on a serious diet. If you intend to drive out on tricky trails, I recommend fatter, high quality all-terrain tyres.
Love it or hate it, you just can't ignore it!