Exclusive: Tata Safari Storme ‘Army’ edition spied testing in India

Here are exclusive images of the Army-spec Tata Safari Storme spotted testing at Pune. A few months ago, Tata Motors edged out Mahindra and Nissan to bag the order for supplying personnel carrier vehicles for the Indian army. The Safari Storme SUV was chosen by the Indian army. Tata Motors will supply 3,192 units of the Storme to the Army.

As the spyshots indicate, the Safari Storme that’s meant for the Army has heavy duty steel wheels. Also, the cladding around the body – purely for looks – has been removed on the army version, which looks like a no frills vehicle. Other changes – although not visible in these spyshots – will include a pintle hook at the rear, a radio antenna on the bonnet and a fuel carrier attached to the body.

The Tata Safari Storme is powered by 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that develops maximum power of 154 BHP at 4,000 rpm, and 400 Nm of peak torque delivered between 1,700 to 2,700 rpm. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard. The Army-spec Storme will have a 4X4 transfer case as standard, with both low and high ranges. The four wheel drive system can be activated on the move, by means of a rotary knob near the gear shifter.

The Safari Storme was chosen by the Army to replace the Gypsy as it’s a more comfortable, modern vehicle. It will be mainly used as a personnel carrier, and for reconnaissance missions.  The body-on-ladder chassis and 200 mm ground clearance of the Storme also means that it is capable of withstanding harsh road conditions that the army faces on the frontier districts of the country.