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

[tusharsethi]

Note from Mod : GTO's Tata Safari Storme report has been uploaded at this link. Please continue the discussion on the new thread. Thanks

Just got a pic of the 2011 Safari replacement called the Tata Merlin. The code name for the same is Safari18. It has something to do with the fact that it had to be developed in 18 months which in turn took 36.

It has the same Safari 2.2 Dicor engine. All I know till now is that the AC is better than the safari and it has better interiors and plastic quality and has a more comfortable ride quality. It will feature the same Aria rims.

I will keep this thread updated if I get any more information.

[benbsb29]

Thanks for the pic, tushar. Do you have any other pics?

I really dont like the shape of the headlights. Looks like not much has been changed on the exteriors otherwise.

[one-77]

Originally Posted by benbsb29

I really dont like the shape of the headlights. Looks like not much has been changed on the exteriors otherwise.

Don't think that's the actual shape. It has been partly taped up.
Btw, are they projectors?

But yeah, the new safari seems to have a similar profile and dimensions as the old, at least on the exteriors. But at least to me, that is a non-issue coz I've always loved its looks.

[abk]

That's the most sensational scoop i've been eagerly waiting for. Thanks a zillion, tusharsethi!

I quite like the front look. Clean, neat & non-pretentious. Heavily inspired by the big brother, the Range Rover. And whoa! Its got HID Xenon. Hope earnestly that HIDs are made standard across all variants.

A point however: read in the article on yahoo! that existing Safari & the new Safari are going to co-exist. Therefore, can you please confirm if Tata Merlin is indeed going to replace the current Safari? Also, on what platform is this built upon - the current Safari's or the Aria's?

Notwithstanding, I will be watching this thread very very closely indeed. This is e x c i t i n g!

[avishar]

Mate,yours is the scoop of all scoops.You opened the pandora's box here.

Why the name Merlin?I hope Tata sticks with Safari.

This does not look like a new platform so its the earlier one with a make over.
Glass area looks a bit bigger,along with a different design dashboard,and i guess LR inspired rear too.

[princey]

Well, seemingly it just appears to be the same old safari platform with a new bumper and headlights. Hope they have managed to improve the interior quality. Nothing much to get excited about actually.

[Mpower]

This does not look like an Aria platform based SUV. Looks like a Safari with a refresh..the tall greenhouse is identical.

[shankar.balan]

Merlin the Magician as in King Arthur!
How nice!

thanks for sharing - this might be the perfect Indian medium size SUV for regular joe's!

Do keep updating this thread as more info flows!

cheers
sb

Originally Posted by tusharsethi

Just got a pic of the 2011 Safari replacement called the Tata Merlin. The code name for the same is Safari18. It has something to do with the fact that it had to be developed in 18 months which in turn took 36.

It has the same Safari 2.2 Dicor engine. All I know till now is that the AC is better than the safari and it has better interiors and plastic quality and has a more comfortable ride quality. It will feature the same Aria rims.

I will keep this thread updated if I get any more information.
Attachment 453876

[swiftnfurious]

Hey..Great scoop there man !

Originally Posted by benbsb29

I really dont like the shape of the headlights. Looks like not much has been changed on the exteriors otherwise.

+ 1. All those aggression is gone - It looks more like a family guy now. B-A-D ! If this is the model thats going to come out, I will have to strike it out from my list ! A dream which I carried all the way from the time it was launched !

And what a name - Merlin ! for an SUV ?

And could you tell us where did you get the pic from ?

[Cyrus43]

Just a refreshed safari I guess. But the Merlin name should be reserved for something much much quicker. Reminds me of he legendary merlin engines.

[EARTHed]

Nice scoop! The higher version of the Merlin ie with body colored bumpers will look really cool.

Hope it now has better interiors!

[condor]

Camo'ed pics of this already all over the web - incl TBHP / BSM etc. This particular pic pretty much reveals it all.

benbsb29 : Do you have any other pics?

I really dont like the shape of the headlights. Looks like not much has been changed on the exteriors otherwise.

Benny, the rear is also squarish. Not like the current Safari's gentle corners.

[arvindmanju]

wow what a scoop!
I like the front look of it. eagerly waiting to see them on our roads!!
thanks for sharing

[dhrishikesh]

This crossover somewhat looks like a old i.e. 2nd generation of Range Rover with some modified front.
(Personally I feel that these headlights doesn't looks that good)
Here are the pics of 2nd generation Range Rover:

[theMAG]

Nice catch. This seems to be an aesthetically modified version of the current Safari. I am curious to know why just an aesthetically modified version would take 36 months to develop, unless there are some mechanical bits involved.