[AutoNoob]

Originally Posted by neerajtrehon

some disheartening news though... friend of mine also confirmed that the front isvery "sumo-ish" and the back resembles a banged up indica .... am not sure of the last bit though ......

I can contradict this in all possible ways, as my source had actually worked on this project . Its quite different than the Sumo or Sumo Grande; the rear definitely misses the spare wheel and will depend on the final styling bits (plastics) they put on the rear. But one thing is sure that its much better than a 'banged up indica'.

[neerajtrehon]

Originally Posted by AutoNoob

I can contradict this in all possible ways, as my source had actually worked on this project . Its quite different than the Sumo or Sumo Grande; the rear definitely misses the spare wheel and will depend on the final styling bits (plastics) they put on the rear. But one thing is sure that its much better than a 'banged up indica'.

I sure hope you contact is right... ... Any confirmation on the first 2 items though?

[centaur]

Originally Posted by dr.abhijeet

whats with the bulge on the bonnet??

Thats just the wind under the cloth. I too has the same question on my mind initially till I saw the shape changing in the pics. Since the vehicle was moving the wind was getting into the cover giving it a bulge

[vinaydas]

Originally Posted by neerajtrehon

Got some info from a very very reliable source....

1) The Merlin will be out by June End
2) Price range will be 10-13 lacs for all models

some disheartening news though... friend of mine also confirmed that the front isvery "sumo-ish" and the back resembles a banged up indica .... am not sure of the last bit though ......

If the above info is correct .Then The pricing department has gone nuts in Tata.

They seem to have started living on cloud 9 after the JLR acquisition, First the Aria and Now this.

[gshanky]

Here is another rendering of Merlin. This is from SRK - IAB.

[DMehta]

Originally Posted by vinaydas

If the above info is correct .Then The pricing department has gone nuts in Tata.

They seem to have started living on cloud 9 after the JLR acquisition, First the Aria and Now this.

Exactly! The Aria which was one of the most eagerly expected cars in India was simply overpriced to say the least. I was looking forward to the launch of the Aria and i am sure like me, it has come like a really big disappointment.
The current Safari which starts at 7.75 lacs, sounds like a really good option. But with the new merlin if it is priced between 10-11 lacs, I think they will lose many of the potential Safari buyers.

And even the TASS is not as reliable as other companies like Maruti. The should seriously reconsider their pricing.

[harimakesh]

SRK'sMerlin rendering is some what reminding previous 3.0L Dicor grill. Merlin can be felt afresh only if its interior quality, comfort and safety features are enhanced substantially in line with Aria as compared to existing Safari.

OT:
I am disappointed With TATA on thier ARIA for two things 1) 2-3 lakhs over pricing across all variants 2) NO Automatic transmission yet.

Tata must do a price correction and provide A/T on Aria as option on all variants.

TATA must start the trend in Indian auto industry to offer its customers to have an option to choose Automatic transmission. Only TATA can change the market dynamics being a true indian company.

[DicKy]

^^^
Yeah ,and having the widest complete range.
It's ridiculous to see that they are the (maybe)only company not to give an A/T option in at least one car.
To me the SRK IAB rendering seems just a current Safari with new brash grille and new bumper. Even the most visible change in the scoop pics; the headlight is not shown in the rendering.

[akhilesh51]

Originally Posted by DicKy

^^^
It's ridiculous to see that they are the (maybe)only company not to give an A/T option in at least one car.

Whoa! That is so true except maybe trade partner FIAT but they too have 500 and Bravo.

[amrisharm]

Found this on the web, dont know if someone has already posted these.. if so then mods please do delete the post.

Plus if you feel that i may have infringed on copyright laws please delete as well thanks .

Pics and more info in the below link:

2012 Tata Safari Merlin: New spy shots and info!

The front looks sharp and boxy like the land rovers of today







This pic below kinda reminds me of the BMW X3



All in all i guess we wont be getting an all new safari after all, just a facelifted one. lets hope there are more drastic changes under the body than there are outside it. (Suspension, brakes, steering upgrades please Mr. Ratan Tata)

[xavieman]

From the pictures posted above, its appearing to be a big let down. I wish they could ape a few things off the landrover stable.Afterall , aren't they legally allowed to be 'inspired' by Jag designs?

[condor]

@amrisharm, the pics you have posted have been posted earlier. Also, the link which you have provided is about 4 months old.

[amrisharm]

Originally Posted by condor

@amrisharm, the pics you have posted have been posted earlier. Also, the link which you have provided is about 4 months old.

Oops my bad. Did not realise the new safari had been re-christened the Tata Merlin. For others like me who are not yet aware of this, here is the link below. I know

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...placement.html

[arvi86]

While on the way to Pune Airport yesterday, I saw this car parked on the side of the road. I definitely think this is the New Safari / Merlin as I saw the same car an hour before taking this picture when it was flying in the opposite direction preceded by two Manzas and followed by two Arias all with temporary registration numbers.

[KALINGA]

No this not like the new SAFARI.
I think it may be the new Mahindra SUV or Force SUV. ( i may be wrong )
The wheel is different.