Tata Safari Storme hasn’t been able to match up to the Mahindra Scorpio‘s standards in recent times. The Scorpio has had the measure of the Safari Storme and has outclassed it in terms of sales by a significant margin. Simply because Mahindra managed to do to the new Scorpio what Tata should have done with the Safari. They added a long list of features, improved the cabin layout and quality and added styling touches which worked very well in distinguishing it from the original Scorpio and enhanced its appeal. Everything Mahindra did, Tata didn’t. The features list wasn’t impressive, the cabin was simple and it looked too much like the previous gen model. Tata recently unveiled the facelifted Safari Storme and with that they have managed to address some of these issues. Read on to find out which if these entry level SUVs come out on top in our Tata Safari Storme vs Mahindra Scorpio comparison story.
Design
Both these cars have been around for really long and have become a familiar face on Indian roads. However, the design of the Mahindra Scorpio has evolved much more than that of the Tata Safari Storme. Even after the recent facelift, the Safari hasn’t seen much change apart from a new Land Rover inspired grille. The SUV still looks a lot like the old version which has its pros and cons. It was always a smart looking car and continue to be with the addition of sharper headlamps and tail lamps. Safari die-hards have not taken well to the omission of the rear mounted spare. Dual exhaust pipes at the back are a nice touch. But the trouble is, it looks too much like the old car and the design just doesn’t feel as fresh. Mahindra, on the other hand, has fancy-ed the Scorpio up properly adding LED tail lamps, LED parking lights and projector head lamps. The front fascia is all new and does look attractive, although it is a tab bit overstyled. Over at the back, the huge chunk of black cladding has been done away with after customer inputs resulting in a much smarter rear.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also see – Tata Safari Storme facelift launch report[/box]
The facelifted Safari Storme gets much better interiors with a better looking steering wheel and an improved centre console. The black and silver colour scheme looks much nicer than before and feels more premium too. While the integrated audio system is a nice addition, it still feels outdated compared to the competition which comes equipped with touchscreen systems. It is a very strange omission considering the much cheaper Bolt and Zest get touchscreens too. The cabin is spacious and although the Safari Storme can seat 7, the last row comprises of jump seats and a forward facing bench is not optional. The interiors are where the Scorpio totally blows the Safari away. The layered design, the colour scheme and the overall quality is better than that of the Safari. There is also a neat touchscreen placed in the centre console to keep things modern.
[box type=”success” ]While both these vehicles are smart looking SUVs, the Mahindra Scorpio comes out on top thanks to much better interiors.[/box]
Features
The top-spec Tata Safari Storme and Mahindra Scorpio get the usual features like integrated audio with Bluetooth connectivity, AUX and USB support, climate control, projector headlamps, dual airbags, steering mounted controls, etc. But the Scorpio is much better equipped as, additionally, it gets a touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation, cruise control, tyre pressure sensors and more. The Mahindra Scorpio can also be equipped with a front facing third row instead of the standard jump seats, something the Safari misses out on. It also gets LED parking lamps, LED tail lamps amongst other things the Safari does not. The only thing the Tata Safari Storme gets which the Mahindra Scorpio doesn’t are leather seats.
[box type=”success” ]The Mahindra Scorpio is the clear winner thanks to its exhaustive features list.[/box]
Ride & Handling
Both cars are very good mile munchers and have enough grunt to cruise around as high speeds. The Tata Safari Storme, however, offers a more comfortable ride compared to the Mahindra Scorpio. Both SUVs suffer from high amounts of body roll and do not inspire confidence at very high speeds. The Tata Safari has a heavier steering which can get a bit cumbersome in city traffic at slow speeds.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also see – Best SUV in India Under 15 lakhs[/box]
[box type=”success” ]Overall, the Tata Safari Storme’s ride and handling are more sorted.[/box]
Specification
| Tata Safari Storme | Mahindra Scorpio | |
| Displacement | 2179cc | 2179cc |
| Power | 148 bhp | 120 bhp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Efficiency* | 14 kmpl | 15. 4 kmpl |
| Four Wheel Drive | Optional | Optional |
*claimed
The Tata Safari Storme gets a more powerful motor producing 28bhp more power and 40Nm more torque as compared to the Mahindra Scorpio. However, the Mahindra Scorpio’s engine is better suited to the urban environment thanks to much better responses low down in the rpm range. Past 2,200 rpm the Tata Safari’s engine feels much better and pulls further as compared to the Scorpio’s. The Scorpio is also faster to the 100 kmph mark and feels more refined than the Safari Storme.
[box type=”success” ]The Mahindra Scorpio is much nicer to drive thanks to its peppy engine and lighter chassis.[/box]
Price
| Tata Safari Storme | Mahindra Scorpio | ||
| LX 4×2 | INR 9.99 lakhs | S2 | INR 8.71 lakhs |
| EX 4×2 | INR 11.60 lakhs | S4 | INR 9.31 lakhs |
| VX 4×2 | INR 13.02 lakhs | S4 Plus | INR 9.72 lakhs |
| VX 4×4 | INR 14.35 lakhs | S6 | INR 10.50 lakhs |
| S6 Plus | INR 10.81 lakhs | ||
| S4 Plus 4×4 | INR 10.85 lakhs | ||
| S8 | INR 11.70 lakhs | ||
| S10 | INR 12.35 lakhs | ||
| S10 4×4 | INR 13.48 lakhs | ||
all prices ex-showroom, Mew Delhi
The Mahindra Scorpio offers a wider range of variants at different price points and spec-for-spec they are much cheaper than the Tata Safari Storme. The top of the line Safari is more expensive than the top of the line Scorpio by almost INR 90,000. Which is a very significant difference considering the Scorpio offers much more in terms of features.
[box type=”success” ]The Mahindra Scorpio is better value for money and all offers a greater choice of variants.[/box]
Verdict
The facelifted Tata Safari Strome is definitely an improvement over the outgoing model. It gets better interiors and more features and it also retains the core strengths of the original car; a comfortable, spacious SUV which does its job quite well. However, the Mahindra Scorpio does the job much better than the Safari. It might not be as spacious, but it more than makes up for it by offering more equipment and features at a lesser price. It also looks more striking than the Tata Safari Strome and has much better interiors.
[box type=”success” ]The improved Tata Safari Storme still can’t compete with the Mahindra Scorpio in terms of features, looks and value for money. The Scorpio is the SUV to buy. [/box]
Tell us what you think about the Tata Safari Storme vs Mahindra Scorpio comparo in the comments section below. Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more on these two SUVs.
