Tata Safari Storme still undergoing testing in Pune

The Tata Safari Storme that is in the making for a long time now is showing no signs of entering the market. This vehicle spotted testing in Pune by our reader Biswajit today raises suspicions that this hugely anticipated model isn't going to be launched anytime soon. The Safari, which was launched by Tata Motors in 1998, has been continuing with the same basic design with just a few nips and tucks over the years. We aren’t complaining at all, as the original design was so clean and such a smash hit that it gave the ‘Safari’ brand an unbelievable fan following in India. Throughout its life span, it was only mechanical and power-train upgrades that kept the Safari going. But all good things has to come to an end and Tata Motors decided that it is time for the Safari to bow out.

While it was widely anticipated that Tata would be coming out with an all-new next generation version of the Safari, Tata surprised one and all by announcing that the model will only be face-lifted and it would be christened Safari Storme. The facelift was finally unveiled to the Indian public at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi and was showcased to the international audience at the recently concluded Geneva Motor Show. Point to be noted is that the Safari Storme was initially slated for launch late last year and the launch was postponed for reasons best known to the company. While we understand that the Storme is a significantly upgraded version and Tata doesn't want to take chances with this model, delaying the launch is only going to cost Tata dearly.

The Mahindra XUV500 has taken the market by storm and the pre-launch buzz generated by the Renault Duster and Ford Ecosport are second to none. If Tata doesn't want to lose further market share in the Sport Utility Vehicle segment, the time to act is now and fast.