Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90

[rrsteer]

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami

I for one feel that if TML gets the QC spot on, the Merlin can be more than a match for the fortuner at approx 60% lower price.

And I for one totally agree with you. My Safari, it seems was drawn from that sample of the manufactured Safari population that had better QC. Now this thought strikes me often and I do reason with myself, why should I ever buy a SUV for 22lacs when my current SUV (bought @ 7.7 lacs when new, 2 years ago) is :

1) More comfortable (has a much much better ride; esp at cruising speeds)
2) More spacious
3) More safe (yeah kill me for saying that- but the brakes in Safari are still better than what Toyota could manage even in Fortuner's second iteration)
4) More fuel efficient
5) Looks as good, if not slightly better in my eyes ( I have a silver one with standard grey plastic cladding and I think it looks just wow in this combo)

only because the one costing 22 mighty lacs is:

1) More powerful
2) Has much better resale
3) Has better handling and smaller turning radius
4) Is a Toyota (rugged, reliable etc)

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by MAS

I hope your insider is not joking. The new Safari would be a match for the Fortuner which is twice its price?

Why not?
The Aria offers more kit than fortuner at a lower price.
The only problem with safari is the quality and the plastics etc.,
If fixing quality makes the safari 50K dearer, its not a problem. It will still be significantly cheaper than the 20L SUVs.
Moreover, even today Safari offers some features which we consider premium. Case in point
1. Auto down windows on all 4 doors
2. Puddle lamps
3. Intermittent wiper with 6 variable speeds(or was it 5)

Premium features missing, which a safari VX at 13-14L ex showroom must have

1. Quality and Aria like interiors
2. MID (Fuel efficiency etc., display)
3. ABS EBD Airbags
4. Discs on all 4 wheels
6. Projectors
7. Gizmos like TPMS/Rain sensing etc.,

[anujmishra]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

3. ABS EBD Airbags

I feel ABS & Airbags are already present in VX (Not sure about EBD).

Also I feel, TPMS & RainSensing are not much useful features. Many times TPMS goes wrong and it gives you nightmare.

My wishlist are

1. Integrated Screen in dash with GPS, Reverse parking, Music System
2. Cruise control, steering mount music system control
3. Handsfree kit (Blue & me)
4. Disks in all four wheels.
5. Reclining mid-row seats
6. Roof integrated ACs for back row (ala Xylo, Aria style). Current second row AC looks very crude.

[lordofgondor]

Originally Posted by anujmishra

I feel ABS & Airbags are already present in VX (Not sure about EBD).

Also I feel, TPMS & RainSensing are not much useful features. Many times TPMS goes wrong and it gives you nightmare.

Safari VX does have EBD.

[ajay0612]

The undoing of Safari is its WEIGHT. 2650Kg Gross vehicle weight (they don't even mention kerb weight!) is just too much and takes its toll on fuel efficency, leads to more wear and tear of parts. The turning radius is also huge.

[condor]

@Ajay, gross weight is under max load. Kerb weight is 2150 kg.

But yes, if TML can reduce kerb weight, it will make a lot of difference. One of the reasons the Scorp will feel better at accleration & FE is the lower kerb weight. It is approx 1850 -1900 kg only for the 4x2.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by ajay0612

The undoing of Safari is its WEIGHT. 2650Kg Gross vehicle weight

That's the GVW of the 4X2 version. 4X4 weighs 2780 KGs.

Originally Posted by ajay0612

(they don't even mention kerb weight!)

Not true. Safari brochure at TML website mentions both. Kerb weight is 2040 Kg for 4X2 and 2170 for 4X4.

[ajay0612]

Originally Posted by directinjection

Not true. Safari brochure at TML website mentions both. Kerb weight is 2040 Kg for 4X2 and 2170 for 4X4.

Below is what they mention under Specifications:
Variant .............................................. LX ...EX ..GX ...VX
Weight Gross Vehicle Weight (Kgs) 4*2 2650 2650 2650 2650
Gross Vehicle Weight (Kgs) 4*4 ...................2780 2780 2780

Tata Safari
I am unable to see the kerb weight here.

[condor]

@Ajay, kerb weight is approximately 600 kg's less than the GVW.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by ajay0612

Tata Safari
I am unable to see the kerb weight here.

At the link that you've provided, there is a downloads section too. Once there, please click on e-brochure (last item, at bottom left). The e-brochure has the kerb weight details.

[ajay0612]

Originally Posted by directinjection

At the link that you've provided, there is a downloads section too. Once there, please click on e-brochure (last item, at bottom left). The e-brochure has the kerb weight details.

@condor: Thanks.
@directinjection: Either I am blind or you have special eyes. I am still unable to see the kerb weight details even in e-brochure. Did anybody else see it? (link is below.)
http://www.safaridicor.com/downloads/eBrochure.pdf

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by ajay0612

@directinjection: Either I am blind or you have special eyes. I am still unable to see the kerb weight details even in e-brochure. Did anybody else see it? (link is below.)
http://www.safaridicor.com/downloads/eBrochure.pdf

The gross weight is provided in the brochure !

[ajay0612]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

The gross weight is provided in the brochure !

O boy! We are asking for kerb weight and not gross weight

[KMT]

Any idea if an Automatic transmission will be offered by Tata on any of its SUVs?

To be a real contender in the lux stakes, I reckon this is more important than gizmos like rain sensing wipers /TPMS etc.


Any inside contact knowledge will be appreciated.

[himanshugoswami]

@ KMT- no auto tranny anytime in teh near future in any tata vehicle. TML is working to perfect their manual gearboxes and drivetrains as of now.