[Sudan_NFS]

The Dash looks very dull to me. May be it looks good when it’s fully completed. This might be the base version since I could not find any steering mounted controls. Even for a base model with a price tag of 10L with this dash, it will not be good VFM.If this dash is given in Sumo Grande then it would be good. But for new Safari it’s not the right dash.

[kaviprem]

Originally Posted by Sudan_NFS

The Dash looks very dull to me. May be it looks good when it’s fully completed. This might be the base version since I could not find any steering mounted controls. Even for a base model with a price tag of 10L with this dash, it will not be good VFM.If this dash is given in Sumo Grande then it would be good. But for new Safari it’s not the right dash.

This most likely be an incomplete dash. There are black patches in the steering wheel where the audio controls should be in place. Similarly, the headunit should also be deliberately left while testing.
Having Airbag spot/area in passenger side, I assume the airbag should also be in the driver side [no SRS mark though].

[manasmadaan]

The dash looks very dull and boring to me too. It doesnt look like belonging to a 10 lakh car even considering it to be the base version. Looks like a decade old design. Hope, this s not the final outcome

[the VTEC guy]

Originally Posted by heatednemz

Hi,
not a regular poster on team-bhp, but I do frequent this site very often.
since I have taken so much from this website. Its only fair I give something back in return. Here is one more picture of the interior (this time with the TATA logo). I got them through a friend . I do not know the location or time of when this was clicked.

Thank you!. The Dash board design is very plain jane. Nothing inspiring about it. Quality seems to be improved. The speedo and tachometer look to be straight lift from existing model. Cutout for the music system looks to be little more than a single DIN size. So possibly a integrated music system should be used. And when Tata offers blue 5 on its lower models like Indica and Manza why not such features on the Safari/Merlin.

[ajay0612]

Originally Posted by Sudan_NFS

The Dash looks very dull to me. May be it looks good when it’s fully completed. This might be the base version since I could not find any steering mounted controls. Even for a base model with a price tag of 10L with this dash, it will not be good VFM.If this dash is given in Sumo Grande then it would be good. But for new Safari it’s not the right dash.

Right. It would look OK in utilitarian Grande. I don't understand the obsession of Tata/Mahindra with false wood trims. Who like these now a days? These belong to buses, not cars.

[LionX]

Originally Posted by mayuresh

1. Space. Particularly can you carry stuff like kids' bicycle along with other baggage on a trip? I think you can do that in a Safari.

2. Driver's seating height. Not sure about XUV vs Safari on this. (I'm not referring to vehicle's height. Rather the seating position of driver - more from point of view of getting a good road view.)

3. Did not get the ground clearance figure of XUV to the extent I searched. How does that compare? (I'm sure a few mms don't matter in the whole equation. Just curious.)

I am a safari owner and did a TD of XUV yesterday, so might be able to clear some of your doubts.

1. If you fold the 3rd row seats, XUV offers almost same luggage space as safari. I feel the height would be an issue if you try to put a cycle there as it already has the seat folded.

2. Driver's seating height is rather sedan type, it wont give you a safari like posture and view even at the max height settings. I would say its like a taller sedan with a better road view.

3. The person at the dealership told its 220mm, which I am not so sure about.

[puneetghai1978]

I think after looking at the Mahindra XUV500 all our expectations have gone high!! Nothing equal or higher than XUV500 will our minds accept now. Mahindra has suddenly raised the levels in this SUV price range. Tata motors now have lots to match with XUV500.

[Latheesh]

No wonder why TATA did not launch Merlin :-)). This is no where close to XUV dash (even with those ugly air vents!!).

[manasmadaan]

Originally Posted by puneetghai1978

I think after looking at the Mahindra XUV500 all our expectations have gone high!! Nothing equal or higher than XUV500 will our minds accept now. Mahindra has suddenly raised the levels in this SUV price range. Tata motors now have lots to match with XUV500.

Rightly said pneet. These are exciting times for us customers and hats off to mahindra for creating such a situation where even a customer initially going for a 10 lakh expensive fortunner will stop, look and try the XUV and may even end up buying it

[harimakesh]

If this is Merlin's final dash better TATA price it below 9L it looks truely cheap

[m_upreti]

Originally Posted by manasmadaan

Rightly said pneet. These are exciting times for us customers and hats off to mahindra for creating such a situation where even a customer initially going for a 10 lakh expensive fortunner will stop, look and try the XUV and may even end up buying it

Its up to Tata (easier) and Toyota (come out of the we are Toyota image) to match the expectations now.

May be Tata should shelve the current Merlin and do a re-design

[rrsteer]

Originally Posted by m_upreti

Its up to Tata (easier) and Toyota (come out of the we are Toyota image) to match the expectations now.

May be Tata should shelve the current Merlin and do a re-design

No, they should relaunch the Safari as Merlin or whatever appropriate brand name and shock the market with a starting ex showroom price of 6.8 lacs, that includes ABS and drivers airbag atleast.

Shouldn't be impossible. I bought my Safari in 2008 Dec. The credit crisis had just stung economies all over, car sales were depressed plus it was December. And I got a great deal on Safari LX. Purchased it for under Rs 7.7 lacs on road.

[harimakesh]

Originally Posted by rrsteer

No, they should relaunch the Safari as Merlin or whatever appropriate brand name and shock the market with a starting ex showroom price of 6.8 lacs, that includes ABS and drivers airbag atleast.

Shouldn't be impossible. I bought my Safari in 2008 Dec. The credit crisis had just stung economies all over, car sales were depressed plus it was December. And I got a great deal on Safari LX. Purchased it for under Rs 7.7 lacs on road.

Given the fact that TATA has been pricing high all their recent refresh launches and on UVs TATA has recently priced its refresh Sumo Gold GX at 6.86L without ABS, it will be wishful thinking for Merlin to be launched with ABS and below 7L price tag. TATA is cornered and must act sensibly now.

2008 December price was low due to reduced Excise duty hence it was possible for LX at 7.7L OTR. we may get there again by this december 2011 once again as per prevailing world economic situation

[arvindmanju]

after seeing all the spy shots, I still prefer the current Safari.
7.7L OTR is good price for LX model. only then Tata can take some market share of XUV.
its better if they dont come out with the Merlin, and bring a all new Safari(what ever branding its going to be) later next year.

[m_upreti]

Originally Posted by rrsteer

No, they should relaunch the Safari as Merlin or whatever appropriate brand name and shock the market with a starting ex showroom price of 6.8 lacs, that includes ABS and drivers airbag atleast.

Shouldn't be impossible. I bought my Safari in 2008 Dec. The credit crisis had just stung economies all over, car sales were depressed plus it was December. And I got a great deal on Safari LX. Purchased it for under Rs 7.7 lacs on road.

Lets hope so they wake up to the reality