Launch Comparison: Tata Safari Storme vs Mahindra XUV500 Vs Duster AWD vs Mahindra Scorpio

Tata Motors has just launched the facelifted version of Safari Storme SUV which now features new front grille inspired from Land Rover, increased power output of 10PS so it offers output of 150 PS (148bhp). The SUV from the homegrown manufacturer also gets new premium 6-speaker Harman audio system, Zest’s three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and some more cosmetic updates inside the cabin too. So let's check out, how this new offering from Tata Motors holds its ground against its arch competitors Mahindra and Renault.

Engine

Safari Storme is the most powerful of the lot as the potent 2.2-litre VARICOR churns a max power of 148bhp (150PS) with 320Nm of peak torque. While the Mahindra siblings in-house their famous 2.2-litre mHawak engine which gives an output of 140bhp in XUV500 and 120bhp in Scorpio. Duster AWD is the least powerful here with 108 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque. But Duster being the lightest of all, with a gross weight of nearly 1800 kilos compared to Safari/XUV’s 2500+ kilos, has an edge when it comes to power to weight ratio, which actually defines the performance of the vehicle. Duster is also the most fuel efficient as it gives a fuel economy of 19+ kmpl while that of Safari is 14.1kmpl, 16kmpl of XUV500 and 15.37kmpl of Scorpio.

Moreover, Duster and XUV5OO offers 6-speed manual transmission while Safari and Scorpio offer 5-speed manual only. One thing to note, Safari Storme and Scorpio are the only two SUV here with the body-on-frame architecture while the rest two are monocoque.

Comfort features and Convenience

Tata has offered Zest’s sporty three-spoke steering wheel and 6-speaker Harman audio system in the updated Storme. The SUV now looks more appealing from inside as it also flaunts Java Black interiors with silver accents but when it comes to features, XUV500 has the lead. But at the same time, XUV500 is also the costliest one here and it offers most of the features in the top trims! Moreover, Duster is the only SUV here which does not offer 3rd-row seating.

Starting with the infotainment system - XUV500, Scorpio and Duster offers touchscreen infotainment system, Safari does not offer a touch unit. Duster AWD and XUV500 both offers 7-inch touchscreen while the Scorpio gets 6-inch touch unit with inbuilt GPS Navigation, Bluetooth, DVD, USB, AUX connectivity along with a Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC). As aforementioned, the XUV500 trumps in features as apart from regular stuff like - navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, it also sports HVAC controls in the infotainment system and smartphone App integration with Mahindra Blue Sense along with reversing camera.

Speaking of the 2015 Safari, it offers single din Harman audio system with a display screen and decibels are powered by a six-speaker system. It gets the Bluetooth connectivity and reverse parking sensor support but it looks dated compared to the rest three. The XUV5OO is the only vehicle here that offers leather seat upholstery, Safari facelift, Scorpio and Duster AWD offers premium fabric upholstery.

Safety

Mahindra XUV 500 again gets an edge in terms of safety, the monocoque SUV comes standard with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and all-around disc braking. Furthermore, it adds side and curtain airbags in top trims making it a total of 6 along with ESP (Electronic Stability Control), Hill Hold and Descent, and all-around disc braking. Safari, on the other hand, gets standard ABS with EBD and all-around disc braking but the dual front airbags are not standard. Duster AWD adds few features compared to the Safari apart from the dual-front airbags and ABS & EBD with Brake Assist, it gets ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) along with Hill Ascend. In Mahindra Scorpio, only the base variant S4 does not offer ABS and dual airbags but all the rest variants offer the same.

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