Clamber into the Tata Safari Storme and you immediately feel the uplifted ambiance of the cabin. The interiors are all beige and that for a typical Indian customer means rich.
[Interior quality and design have greatly improved but uneven panel gaps do exist]
The Safari Storme's cabin is a much better place to be, compared to the old Safari. The dashboard layout and design are hugely improved and are ergonomically sound.
[Headlamp controls are shifted to dashboard to make way for audio controls]
The overall quality of the plastics is clearly several notches above the previous car but still uneven panel gaps are to be found here and there. There are few low rent bits scattered around the cabin like the tacky AC vent adjustor and poor quality control stalks.
[The analogue clock is neatly placed and the new center console looks much better]
As far as the design is concerned, the four-spoke steering wheel with silver inserts is new and can be adjusted for rake. The all-new centre console is finished in faux wood and houses a neatly integrated analogue clock and centre AC vents, the controls for the HVAC, and an Alpine music system (we will talk about it a little later). There are two bottle holders ahead of the gear knob; also there is a useful storage compartment above the centre console.
[The AC has an economy mode the spread is quick and even throughout the cabin]
The dashboard is split horizontally by a faux wood strip and the side AC vents have silver highlights. The beige color does a good job of providing an airy feel but on the flipside, it becomes responsible for the annoying glare on the front windshield.
[Rear arm rest contains a storage space; The rear AC controls are mounted on the roof]
The front seats are high, very comfortable with lumbar adjustment and offer a good view of the road. If you fancy a truck like driving position, the driver’s seat has height adjustment. Both the front seats get armrests and the driving position is nice and comfortable.
[Jump seats are only for children and the space is better used with the seats folded]
The controls for the headlamps are now shifted to the dashboard, below the right AC vent, to make way for the audio controls on the stalk. Now that brings us back to the Alpine music system. It has Bluetooth connectivity and the sound quality from the speakers is excellent.
The Tata Safari was always known for its superb middle row of seats and in fact that was one of the primary strengths of this SUV. We are happy to inform that hasn’t changed with the Storme. The rear seats are supremely comfortable as always, with adequate thigh support and easily pass the test as the best in the segment. The legroom is ample even with the front seats pushed all the way back.
The rear centre armrest is made hollow to provide storage space and it also comes with cup holders. Apart from the roof mounted AC vents that cater to both middle and rear passengers, there is another set of AC vents located between the front seats to serve the middle row passengers better.
The Safari Strome’s rear passenger compartment contains two jump seats which are large enough for children but the adults will start complaining in few minutes into the journey. The step provided is totally useless while alighting and hence the jump seats are strict no no for senior citizens.
Fold the seats and the luggage space available is adequate and the net provided is useful in preventing the things from flying around.
Overall, the cabin quality is a big leap ahead, the space on offer is fantastic and the design of interiors has improved from the old car, a lot more than the new exterior suggests.
