[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by saildrive

I had recently been to Mangalore from Mumbai and back in a scorpio - with just 5 of us (which includes the driver).

It was about a 14-16 hr drive one way; but i am 5'11 and trust me had a torrid time. could not stretch, could not move - it was the most tiring journey i had ever taken.

Having used a Scorpio for 45K kilometers, I empathize with you man. I have posted many times before about how cramped the interiors are. I initially planned to keep it for 4 years, but now plan to get rid of it soon as a viable opition is available. XUV is not an option for me since it is not a seven seater and has no low range transfer case which I need due to the nature of my work.

Originally Posted by kaks15

Of 50 bookings received by a Mahindra dealer at gurgaon in one day , 20 were scorpio prospects.
Source - GM of showroom.

I love this *insider information* from *inside sources* but I guess it is possible that most VLX bookings will get diverted to the XUV as VLX doesn't make sense vs the XUV500. It should be either SLE if you have a budget constraint or the XUV500. Scorpio VLX will definitely be discontinued or re-priced.

[Ascari]

The interiors of the Merlin looks like old Jaguars.I guess all Tata car interiors will now be inspired by JLR group cars.Now let's hope they get their quality up there with the best.

PS-Does not look like there is place for a double DIN HU.Common Tata,even bog standard hatchbacks have them!

[m_upreti]

Originally Posted by Y@SH

I think the launch of XUV500 has sent tata back to the drawing board. A launch of maybe Q1 2012 is a possibility.

That would be the better idea, to counter the XUV and probably come up with a better vehicle post the technology and design leaps taken after the Aria ( only if the pricing strategy was right)

[lurker]

In the photo, it doesn't look like a 13-15 lakh vehicle dashboard. Sorry! Something's cooking. It seems the base version is being set up to take on the Scorpio LX. That is 8-9 lakh 'Thar-competitor' dashboard IMO. The features look very spartan but the gear-knobs are quite polished. Also the plastic quality near the area of the glove-box looks grande-esque.

[troublemaker]

Originally Posted by jobug

dashboard picture of tata merlin

May be there is a 9 inch pop-up LCD under that shiny cover on the dashboard! (wishful thinking! sigh..)

[swiftnfurious]

From the pics, though the dash is spartan, I kind of like the way it's done. From the pics, the quality looks quite ok as well. The chrome on the gear lever is quite sexy. And I like this interior over the 2010 Safari interiors with those orange trims.

Originally Posted by Y@SH

I think the launch of XUV500 has sent tata back to the drawing board. A launch of maybe Q1 2012 is a possibility.

Could not really understand what you meant to say here. From what I understand, from the drawing board to the launch of a vehicle, there will be couple of years. So I guess you were talking about the launch strategy part & not a complete design overhaul?

[MAS]

The dashboard looks bad to say the least. The development at TATA is so internally focussed that they are aiming to deliver something better than their own previous generation (Safari) and don't seem to bother how much further the competitors have moved the goal post and how the market is responding to the advancements.

Even the interiors of any Chinese made SUV would be years ahead of the Merlin. It is best that TATA shuts the development and account the loss incurred instead of launching the vehicle and tarnishing its already bad name.

[kaks15]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

I love this *insider information* from *inside sources* but I guess it is possible that most VLX bookings will get diverted to the XUV as VLX doesn't make sense vs the XUV500. It should be either SLE if you have a budget constraint or the XUV500. Scorpio VLX will definitely be discontinued or re-priced.

no insider info , went to the showroom asked the GM who was acquainted to me , he openly in front of 4 others disclosed this.

[amit_mechengg]

the best thing tata can do and should do at this moment is price the new merlin very cheap below scorpio and then start working on the global suv right from scratch and merge in the land rover DNA in this new SUV.

only then they can survive the XUV500 attack

[Parm]

wait for a Diwali Dhamaka by TATA and a bigger surprise at 2012 Delhi AutoExpo!

M&M would be left like this >>>

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by Parm

wait for a Diwali Dhamaka by TATA and a bigger surprise at 2012 Delhi AutoExpo!

I would prefer to wait for the Diwali Dhamka Mark II or maybe just the Dhamka LX .

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by Parm

wait for a Diwali Dhamaka by TATA and a bigger surprise at 2012 Delhi AutoExpo!

M&M would be left like this >>>

You make sure to plant a time bomb in our minds whenever you visit this thread! I seriously hope the competition gets tighter & we, consumers get SO many sweet deals from here on!

Edit:: Though I know it may not happen, still pray that they get a version of Merlin with the same exteriors as the current Safari ! True Macho car !

[rajtheindian]

Originally Posted by Y@SH

Source: ICB

Interior images of Merlin emerges.

Nice layout, this looks like the lower spec one as Steering mounted controls are missing and also integrated HU. Faux wood finish looks okay.

Inspired by Jaguar dashboard.

[4x4addict]

@swift, I suggest you take the time bombs with a bucket of salt as there were many time bombs that fizzed out before like the Suzuki Samurai, etc...

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by Parm

wait for a Diwali Dhamaka by TATA and a bigger surprise at 2012 Delhi AutoExpo!

M&M would be left like this >>>

Man! thanks. Hope its a killer. Gotta say! I love the XUV!