Indian Army to Replace Ageing Maruti Suzuki Gypsy With Tata's Matte Green Safari Storme SUV

New Delhi, May 21: The Indian Army is all set to replace Maruti Suzuki Gypsy with Tata’s Safari Storme SUV. The army has been using the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy for its transportation purpose. The army was using the gypsy as it was the low-cost 4x4 vehicle and can be in extreme terrains.

Last year, reports surfaced that the Indian Army would replace the ageing Maruti Suzuki Gypsy with a modern and rugged vehicle. Later, the Tata Motors were chosen to deliver 3192 units of the Safari Storme SUV for the Indian Army. According to a report published in News18, the deliveries of the Matte Green Tata Safari Storme for the Indian Army has been commenced.

The version of the Tata Safari Storme designed for the Indian Army is slightly different as compared to the standard model. The version designed for the army has matte green in colour. There are also blackout lamps placed on the front and rear bumper for projecting a horizontal light beam. The stealth value of the Safari Storme is enhanced to meet the requirements of the army.

To avoid reflection the chrome bits like the grille, exhaust tips, etc. have been blacked out. According to the report, there’s also a large hook at the rear to mount a trailer and a canister mount on the rear fenders. A radio antenna on the bonnet is also placed on the Tata Safari Storme SUV designed for the army.

The criteria set by the Indian Army for the vehicle selection was - hard top, 800 kg payload capacity and air conditioning, reported News18.  Minor mechanical changes have also been made to the SUV so that it can match the requirement of the army. The changes are made to enhance underbody protection and for beefier suspension. The engine of the SUV remains the same i.e. 2.2-litre diesel unit. It produces 154 bhp of peak power and 400 Nm of peak torque. According to the report, all the army versions will come standard with four-wheel drive and with both a low range and a high range option along with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Indian Army, which is the second largest standing army in the world, needs SUV which operates in some of the roughest terrains starting from the mountainous region of North to the desert in the west and dense forests in the North-East. The Tata Safari Storme SUV matches all the criteria.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2018 05:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).