[Latheesh]

Originally Posted by sushantr5

I think it was my untrained eyes which disguised me. Let's stop discussion till I spot that mule again.

Untrained eyes!!

Make sure next time you take pictures of the same and post. Let the trained eyes here decide what exactly it is.

[shortbread]

Originally Posted by sushantr5

Most possibility is of Merlin. But I can not avoid the fact that it has less(no) overhang at rear and less lengthier road presence, Bigger wheels and lesser wheel base. It was looking way more sportier. I do not know if this was due to my untrained eyes.

One does not need an Automotive degree to describe a cars profile and you have done a decent job Sushant. The reason the Evoque has been mentioned a couple of times is because this is the only SUV in the global Tata Motors product profile thats similar to what you have mentioned.

If not, this means an unlikely scenario that Tata is developing something new, compact wheelbase, short overhangs, bigger wheels. If Tata is actually doing so, oh God, im already becoming weak at the knees!!!

[RavenAvi]

Yet another spy pic -

[fz_rider]

Here's another pic. courtesy Indianautosblog.com

[nkrishnap]

Somehow I feel, the front might look better than the existing one. The projectors and bit of sqaurish looks will make it look better.

TATA seems to be testing this forever. Are there any issues so complex that it is taking such a long time to get this launched.

[akhilesh51]

Tata UV Plant closing down production of all current models (Sumo, Grande, Safari) from 10th August. Looks like they are gearing down for full throttle production of certain new product.

[condor]

May just be maintenance shutdown, but to some extent preparing for the expected new one

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by condor

May just be maintenance shutdown,

+ 1

Originally Posted by akhilesh51

Looks like they are gearing down for full throttle production of certain new product.

Are they expecting that kind of bookings? It will take some time for TATA to make people understand that the higher priced new car is "much better" than its sibling ! So mass production may not be a great idea. I would still expect the sales break up to be not more than 60-40 [or even lesser] for the Merlin.

[akhilesh51]

Originally Posted by condor

May just be maintenance shutdown, but to some extent preparing for the expected new one

I would disagree here and I may be wrong. IMHO, No Indian company would take the risk of shutting down production for maintenance a month or two before the mega season. Here, Tata will shut down production of current cars for a period of 20 days bang before festive season. So, its got to be something to do with production line overhaul.

Also, it is speculated that Aria production will not be hampered. Hence, I guess they are banking on sales of Merlin and Aria 4x2 to pick up during the festive period giving them an opportunity to flood market with these vehicles and thereon create a market visibility

[kaviprem]

Guys, TATA plant shutdown for maintenance is usually for a week's time around end of December, along with Christmas holidays. This is a routine with them in their Pune plant. Lets not speculate more about these now

Just waiting to take the Merlin test drive as soon as its launched !

Prem.

[TheARUN]

It a good thing that they are keeping most of the body panes the same as the original TCIC, will help us TCIC Owners for sure

[MAS]

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Somehow I feel, the front might look better than the existing one. The projectors and bit of sqaurish looks will make it look better.

+1

The spy pics have not done much justice to the new looks (Actually, TATA have done a good job of camouflaging the Merlin).. I also feel that the Merlin will look better than the existing Safari.

Originally Posted by kaviprem

Guys, TATA plant shutdown for maintenance is usually for a week's time around end of December, along with Christmas holidays.

Makes sense. That's the time no one wants to buy a car anyways because the Mfg year will elapse.

Undisclosed sources mentioned that TML plant has been hit due to recnt flooding in Pune and they have incurred some inventory losses. This is the reason why they are changing *when* dealers can invoice a car (i.e bill a sale). This could also be a reason to revamp the lines.

The observer would note that at least two significant launches are pending from Tata's side- the Aria 4x2 and Venture. Both of them have been sent to the dealers but it is unclear why the launches have been withheld for quite some time.

On a separate note, had a chance to sit in a Venture yesterday. Except for the driver's door, nothing opens on the right !

[RavenAvi]

A very clean scoop pic, thanks to oncars.in.



The front looks pretty aggressive, and much better than the current Safari. I dare say this will be a much better looker from the front, than the rear.

Also, this seems to have tremendous road presence as well.

All in all, the Merlin should not disappoint potential buyers. Good work, Tata!

[Leinad]

Hello Guys,

Any further updates on this thread about the launch of Tata Merlin ! Saw the Ad of Tata aria the other day(Good indeed). Eagerly waiting for Merlin