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

cool_dube · 24th November 2010, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUV

Existing Safari : All 4x4 versions except for the VX 4x4 have been stopped / discontinued. Few might be left in dealer stock.

A very sad news indeed, if true :(

sunishsamuel · 24th November 2010, 18:01

there is a positive side too, resale value of the existing ex, gx 4x4 versions would go up a bit

when i called up showroom for something else, i checked if they got any news about 4x4 versions available in VX trim going forward, they said they have no clue about this but it could be that dealers are kept in the dark.

SUV · 24th November 2010, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunishsamuel

there is a positive side too, resale value of the existing ex, gx 4x4 versions would go up a bit

when i called up showroom for something else, i checked if they got any news about 4x4 versions available in VX trim going forward, they said they have no clue about this but it could be that dealers are kept in the dark.

4x4 VX is very much available. Though the delivery period might be delayed. (they are manufactured in very few numbers).

MAS · 24th November 2010, 20:08

If this is the facelifted Safari Merlin (or anything else they want to call it), i like it.

Even though the picture quality is bad, the interiors look several notches above the exiting Safari. The blue lights are cool and the ACC looks upmarket too. The A/C vents looks better and the dash board seems to have more curves with good share of storage space.

To me the front looks like a XYLO with "stretched" headlamps. Why TATA, Why?

. The rear light cluster looks to be simple combination, but bigger (Terracan type).

I hope to see more pictures on this forum.

jobug · 25th November 2010, 10:40

Some more pics...

suhaas307 · 25th November 2010, 11:27

The glass-house is almost identical to the Safari's. So this is just a refreshed Safari. A facelift that extends the already elongated life of the Safari in India. Something that's going to by Tata some time before they introduce the 'all-new' Safari based on the Aria platform. Don't get me wrong. The Safari is an incredible vehicle, but Tata needs to introduce a brand-new one. It's high time!

shortbread · 25th November 2010, 13:28

Although not very clear in the pictures the interiors seem to be all new. This although was a necessity since it wasn't very good from day one.

From the picture, the wheels seems to be further apart giving it a wider stance. Also removing the spare wheel and bringing all that mass under the chasis will help with its handling (although this not in any way a Safari strength). I hope Tata can shed some weight from this car, this will help its performance a great deal.

A major reason the Safari has had a long model cycle is because of the state of domestic SUVs. This will change once the Mahindra world SUV is launched giving it a run for its money, until and unless it has a significant price advantage than the Mahindra!!

cool_dube · 25th November 2010, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortbread

Also removing the spare wheel and bringing all that mass under the chasis will help with its handling

Don't think relocation of 40 odd kgs would make a difference to handling!! Moreover, I am sure many of us Safari fans will miss the spare wheel on the rear door :(

swiftnfurious · 25th November 2010, 15:54

Ooooops ! Q2, 2011 !! Thats Loooooooooooooong way ! I dont think for a mere refreshed version, TATA would take that much time ! there could be more than just cosmetic updates!

On top it, why would they discontinue the top Vx 4x4 variant if this is coming late? Just cant make a logic out of anything !

I hope there is considerable improvement in the so-called facelift also !

And a striking ALL-NEW-Safari too !

pgsagar · 25th November 2010, 15:56

(+ ve) I like the high bonnet line. That is what makes Sumo Grande ( otherwise not a looker ) and Fortuner appear so much butch and intimidating from the front.

(-ve). I think an SUV is incomplete without a spare wheel at the back.

rajismine · 25th November 2010, 16:35

My personal opinion...it looks too odd to me...more like a patch work on the existing safari...

First they made the 2.2 odd by changing that spare wheel cover to "T" and now they are removing it altogether. I guess they could not find a solution to tail gate rattle hence removed it altogether rather than fixing the issue

its like a hostile Takeover of Safari by Sumo...however I am hopeful about that dashboard..it may come out to be very good in the end..My biggest issue is with the spare wheel and those taxi type headlights.. infact moving back to the TCIC twin headlamp with one projector lamp can be considered a forward move :-)

Its only my personal opinion friends...

kaviprem · 25th November 2010, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

On top it, why would they discontinue the top Vx 4x4 variant if this is coming late? Just cant make a logic out of anything !

Who said VX 4X4 is going to be stopped. As far as the insider information posted above [previous page], its the other way - That is, All 4X4 except the VX 4X4 is going to be stopped.

Prem.

tushky · 25th November 2010, 17:54

My Dad said,The codename of this vehicle was SAFARI 18, and it was supposed to be complete in 18 months. but they took 3 years too make this.

4x4addict · 25th November 2010, 19:48

Overall the interiors look drastically changed/improved. However, third row seating is still side facing. This is a big disappointment atleast for me.

muke31 · 25th November 2010, 20:58

Anyone noticed the AC contols, it looks like it will come to climate control,
the dials looks well lit and completely new dials.

-MUKE

24th November 2010, 18:01	#92
sunishsamuel BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TVM, BLR, HYD Posts: 650 Thanked: 1,088 Times	there is a positive side too, resale value of the existing ex, gx 4x4 versions would go up a bit when i called up showroom for something else, i checked if they got any news about 4x4 versions available in VX trim going forward, they said they have no clue about this but it could be that dealers are kept in the dark.
	() Thanks

24th November 2010, 20:08	#94
MAS Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,936 Thanked: 1,594 Times	If this is the facelifted Safari Merlin (or anything else they want to call it), i like it. Even though the picture quality is bad, the interiors look several notches above the exiting Safari. The blue lights are cool and the ACC looks upmarket too. The A/C vents looks better and the dash board seems to have more curves with good share of storage space. To me the front looks like a XYLO with "stretched" headlamps. Why TATA, Why? . The rear light cluster looks to be simple combination, but bigger (Terracan type). I hope to see more pictures on this forum.
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 10:40	#95
jobug Newbie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: mannoor Posts: 20 Thanked: 44 Times	Some more pics... Attached Images
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 11:27	#96
suhaas307 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 8,732 Thanked: 11,567 Times	The glass-house is almost identical to the Safari's. So this is just a refreshed Safari. A facelift that extends the already elongated life of the Safari in India. Something that's going to by Tata some time before they introduce the 'all-new' Safari based on the Aria platform. Don't get me wrong. The Safari is an incredible vehicle, but Tata needs to introduce a brand-new one. It's high time!
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 13:28	#97
shortbread Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: KL 7 Posts: 2,189 Thanked: 5,437 Times	Although not very clear in the pictures the interiors seem to be all new. This although was a necessity since it wasn't very good from day one. From the picture, the wheels seems to be further apart giving it a wider stance. Also removing the spare wheel and bringing all that mass under the chasis will help with its handling (although this not in any way a Safari strength). I hope Tata can shed some weight from this car, this will help its performance a great deal. A major reason the Safari has had a long model cycle is because of the state of domestic SUVs. This will change once the Mahindra world SUV is launched giving it a run for its money, until and unless it has a significant price advantage than the Mahindra!!
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 15:54	#99
swiftnfurious Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 7,148 Thanked: 9,531 Times	Ooooops ! Q2, 2011 !! Thats Loooooooooooooong way ! I dont think for a mere refreshed version, TATA would take that much time ! there could be more than just cosmetic updates! On top it, why would they discontinue the top Vx 4x4 variant if this is coming late? Just cant make a logic out of anything ! I hope there is considerable improvement in the so-called facelift also ! And a striking ALL-NEW-Safari too !
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 15:56	#100
pgsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vizag Posts: 2,445 Thanked: 2,932 Times View My Garage	(+ ve) I like the high bonnet line. That is what makes Sumo Grande ( otherwise not a looker ) and Fortuner appear so much butch and intimidating from the front. (-ve). I think an SUV is incomplete without a spare wheel at the back.
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 16:35	#101
rajismine BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 516 Thanked: 256 Times View My Garage	My personal opinion...it looks too odd to me...more like a patch work on the existing safari... First they made the 2.2 odd by changing that spare wheel cover to "T" and now they are removing it altogether. I guess they could not find a solution to tail gate rattle hence removed it altogether rather than fixing the issue its like a hostile Takeover of Safari by Sumo...however I am hopeful about that dashboard..it may come out to be very good in the end..My biggest issue is with the spare wheel and those taxi type headlights.. infact moving back to the TCIC twin headlamp with one projector lamp can be considered a forward move :-) Its only my personal opinion friends...
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 17:54	#103
tushky Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 1,201 Thanked: 2,560 Times View My Garage	My Dad said,The codename of this vehicle was SAFARI 18, and it was supposed to be complete in 18 months. but they took 3 years too make this.
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 19:48	#104
4x4addict Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,406 Thanked: 4,109 Times View My Garage	Overall the interiors look drastically changed/improved. However, third row seating is still side facing. This is a big disappointment atleast for me.
	() Thanks

25th November 2010, 20:58	#105
muke31 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 191 Thanked: 21 Times	Anyone noticed the AC contols, it looks like it will come to climate control, the dials looks well lit and completely new dials. -MUKE
	() Thanks

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

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