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Old 12th August 2011, 14:28   #586
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Hope that below news encourages Tata Motors to hasten release of Merlin to market.

Tata Motors stock skids after muted Q1 results - The Economic Times
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Old 12th August 2011, 14:28   #587
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

It is high time now that Tata announce the launch date soon. The Force One launch is confirmed for 19th August. Also, looks like Mahindra W201 is getting launched on 26th September. July sales for Safari has dipped to 823. Does it mean they are spending resources on retooling and ramping up for new launch?
There is so much ambiguity around this model and launch.
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Old 12th August 2011, 15:21   #588
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Now its my turn.
Found a camouflaged Merlin while driving to my office this morning. Tried hard to over take him. But the driver became conscious when he found me following him like a shadow for almost 10 mins with a mobile camera.

Need to take a different route to finally ovetake it.

Later, tried some side shots. If seen carefully, the upper side profile between the B and C pillar is almost similar to the safari.
Feel the maximum change is done on the front and rear.
Also heard from sources, about the drastic improvement done in the driveability zone.

Pls pardon me for poor quality photographs. Just had a 2MP camera in my mobile.
Attached Thumbnails
Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00590201108090817.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00592201108090818.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00594201108090818.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00595201108090818.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00596201108090819.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00597201108090819.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00577201108090810.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00578201108090811.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00580201108090811.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00581201108090812.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00582201108090812.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00584201108090812.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00585201108090813.jpg  

Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pics on Pg 90-img00588201108090816.jpg  

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Old 12th August 2011, 17:01   #589
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Fantastic set of pics finally . This looks huge and definitely 17 inch wheels . Guess the launch might be round the corner maybe Diwali , hopefully . The dual exhausts look awesome .
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Old 12th August 2011, 21:02   #590
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

@Maverick79 : Really good pictures indeed

Couple of things that hits straight based on the images
- The hinge towards the right side in the back/rear , confirms it side opening mechanism(and not a top up hydraulic system). Correct me if otherwise.
- The extra protruding plastic(next to third closed glass in the rear) is still puzzling me. Is it a visor like styling?
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Old 12th August 2011, 21:13   #591
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

^^ Wheels definitely look bigger, possibly 17", but it also looks like more metal and less rubber if this is going to be a factory fitted set.
Overall, looks good and spare wheel at the rear door is not missed much.

Thanks for very nice set of pics.

Prem.
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Old 12th August 2011, 21:35   #592
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maverick79 View Post
Now its my turn.
Found a camouflaged Merlin while driving to my office this morning. Tried hard to over take him. But the driver became conscious when he found me following him like a shadow for almost 10 mins with a mobile camera.

Need to take a different route to finally ovetake it.

Later, tried some side shots. If seen carefully, the upper side profile between the B and C pillar is almost similar to the safari.
Feel the maximum change is done on the front and rear.
Also heard from sources, about the drastic improvement done in the driveability zone.

Pls pardon me for poor quality photographs. Just had a 2MP camera in my mobile.
Great work!!

I am glad to see that the heavy cladding is missing (I hope it is not hidden in camo). Were you able to also see the front fascia?
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Old 12th August 2011, 22:32   #593
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Watermark those pics asap
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Old 12th August 2011, 23:05   #594
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

It seems you missed your way to office and started the photoshoot instead? And what was the excuse in front of the boss? share.

Anyways, wonderful photographs. Waiting for this to be released in all over India as soon as possible.

Cheers!
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Old 13th August 2011, 11:15   #595
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

These pics solve the mystery of the tail gate - which was a topic of debate for the last few pages. 2 hinges clearly visible on the right side, so it will open just like the current one's - sideways.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gshanky View Post
... I am glad to see that the heavy cladding is missing (I hope it is not hidden in camo). Were you able to also see the front fascia?
I think its just the camo that 'seems' to be hiding the cladding.
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Old 13th August 2011, 11:52   #596
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

@ maverick79 - Excellent pics

The Merlin looks good and massive. IMO without the wheel on the rear door, the Merlin actually looks neat (not bulky). The dual exhaust looks neat and sporty. The plastic protrusion over the third glass beats me too.

Looks like you were literally shadowing the Merlin.
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Old 13th August 2011, 13:45   #597
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

If there is no change in the door mounting/hinge points, then TML could have easily fitted in a door from the old Safari & made it better camouflaged. .. remove the spare wheel to mimic the new door.
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Old 13th August 2011, 14:11   #598
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maverick79 View Post
Now its my turn.
Found a camouflaged Merlin while driving to my office this morning. Tried hard to over take him. But the driver became conscious when he found me following him like a shadow for almost 10 mins with a mobile camera.
Lovely set of pic friend.. Thanks.. Seems you were able to take lot more pics, Did you get to see the front? If yes please share the pics, or let us know ur observations.

Thanks Again...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leinad View Post
@Maverick79 :
- The hinge towards the right side in the back/rear , confirms it side opening mechanism(and not a top up hydraulic system). Correct me if otherwise.
- The extra protruding plastic(next to third closed glass in the rear) is still puzzling me. Is it a visor like styling?
1) That was already clear, that its a side hinged door. now its totally clear.
2) That's very confusing i must admit... The curiosity continuous.

Quote:
Originally Posted by condor View Post
If there is no change in the door mounting/hinge points, then TML could have easily fitted in a door from the old Safari & made it better camouflaged. .. remove the spare wheel to mimic the new door.
They would want to test the new door settings and the working, to ensure the age old problem with the rare door sound's is solved completely. Hence test the actual parts as much as possible.

Now a question to all.
Q) The safari has been in the market and been tested for more than a decade. And has gone through a lot of changes and refreshes.
Now Dose it actually require so much of Practical testing?
What's Cooking TATA?
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Old 13th August 2011, 14:19   #599
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

from the first picture get to see some part of the passenger side dashboard.Looks to be finished in black/dark grey. Also a square patch shows passenger side Airbag.
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Old 13th August 2011, 23:52   #600
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re: Tata Merlin - Safari replacement? *UPDATE* Uncovered Pic on pg34 & pg41

Quote:
Originally Posted by rajchetan View Post
Now a question to all.
Q) The safari has been in the market and been tested for more than a decade. And has gone through a lot of changes and refreshes.
Now Dose it actually require so much of Practical testing?
What's Cooking TATA?
Though Safari has been around for a long time, it always had one or other problem or niggles. I would really appreciate if TML wants to do a complete makeover so that Merlin can sell well until they bring the successor to Safari in 2-3 years timeframe.

imo here are the challenges for Merlin

1) Give real competition to Scorpio in overall sales
2) A good looking/refined Merlin will also put pressure on Innova. This way TML will have competition on both sides of Innova. Seems like a good strategy to me
3) Integrate ARIA version of Engine and drivetrain
4) Some modification to chassis / suspension to reduce body roll
5) Revamp the dash to make Merlin look contemporary
6) anything else?

Overall I am glad TML is trying to keep it honest and is telling everyone that this is just a refresh. However it seems like they are trying to do a complete makeover and more testing the better. Hopefully we'll have merlin for diwali. Can't wait for the test drive when I'll be home.
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