Safari 2.2 : Proud to own, Pleasure to Drive. Review on Tata Safari Storme

In 2007 when time came to change my Indica, I had a choice between a top end sedan/ hatch and a base version of Safari - 2.2 LX. The choice was anyday a Safari - my aspiration since long. I had driven earlier versions the 90HP and 110 HP. So I waited for more than a year for Safari 2.2 launch before changing my car. I was not disappointed.

First of all, the sheer power and acceleration is pure exhilaration. What I enjoy most is to start pole on a highway red light and race with bikers at the turn of green. I zoom ahead even faster than the bikers. I have taken my colleagues around on a straight stretch of road and warning them of the triple gravity experience - accelerated! It makes hearts fly. 5 stars for the powerful acceleration and exhilaration.

First time I looked at the mileage, I could not believe it. It gave about 11 kmph even with higher power, whereas I had never seen (remember, it was 2008) an SUV give more than 10. It has been consistent in > 10 mileage till now.

The reliability has been fantastic. Barring an inside bulb cover which fell ( and I fixed it with fevicol) nothing has gone wrong and the vehicle has been in workshop only for routine maintenance.

Most Memorable Trip -  -  In 2008 summer, we two families - 4 adults, 2 kids >10 and 2 kids <7 (8 of us) took the car from Mumbai to Delhi to Nainital (total round trip of 4000 km) and it was a breeze. The space inside is luxurious. the second row seats are a playground for the family.The last row seats were buckled up and a cotton mattress and sofa cushions place there. It became a playground for our kids.

We took Mumbai - Baroda - Mount Abu - Ajmer - Delhi - Nainital route and on the way back; made it Nainital - Jaipur - Udaipur - Baroda - Mumbai. To accommodate our luggage, I fitted it with a Thule box. It attracted curious and admiring glances all the way. I continued with Thule for a long time until the parking allotted to me could not accomodate the Thule height. (I am happy to share the Thule, or Mumbai Delhi drive experience with anyone of you - leave a comment here or email (at my mouth shut use rid at the rate gmail.com)

Overall, owning Safari 2.2 has been a fantastic experience and I would recommend this to anyone. Just on the dealership experience; please find someone in the company and this escalation does the job well. Before that, make sure that your complaint is formally registered and you get a ref no.

As I change my car after 4 years, it is a nostalgic bye bye to my Safari. Well, I could not get the heart to move it out of my family so my brother in law is taking it from me and the legacy of this fantastic family member will continue to go on.

And I am now more than very happy with my Aria Prestige.... More on that later. Its a fantastic and unbelievable SUV too.

Disclosures -

1 - I am a senior officer in Tata Motors but there is nothing special we get in our cars - a bulb cover still falls down.

2 - Writing this review is an emotional experience for me as I part with my Safari after 4.5 years. Nothing official about it.

3 - I am always happy to share my experiences as a consumer (and if you want, as a Tata guy also) with anyone on this site - I have owned Indica, Safari, Aria and Nano.

4 - Officially though, I can help any of Tata product owners resolve your problems by connecting you with the right people. I consider it my duty as a Tata Motors employee (and have been helping my linkedin and facebook contacts).