[Parm]

Originally Posted by HappyWheels

Why would TATA look at another MUV when they have ARIA (referring to AWD sans the low range)?

Can understand this with M&M doing this with W201 since they do not have a AWD in their line up (provided it does not have a low range), but why TATA? If they do this, then the brand image of Safari as a "Make your own road" vehicle will take a beating. Forget about calling it "Merlin" or "Arthur" - if it looks like a Safari, it is a Safari!

Hope the speculations are wrong.

EDIT:
Read here that one of the Merlin development team member mentioning that Merlin has been bench marked against the Fortuner; if that is the case, will it be AWD + low range?

Even better will be provide options from all end, AWD or 2WD option like the ARIA and in AWD, 4HH, 4HL and 4LL options. Wishful thinking?

face lift fortuner coming in 2WD and AT...toyota already started the counter move.

[Latheesh]

I like the stance of the beast!

[Maverick79]

Originally Posted by Latheesh

I like the stance of the beast!

Would be more attention seeking while un hidden, with those masculine curves and in the face looks.
The 17 inchers are giving more charecter to the look.

Luckily, it didn't loose its ferocious front look after the face lift.
Hope to see it soon in flesh.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by Latheesh

I like the stance of the beast!

Thanks for the pic. The colour difference in LHS and RHS rear view mirrors looks funny. The RHS one must have got broken and the replacement piece wasn't painted.

[condor]

Originally Posted by Latheesh

I like the stance of the beast!

+1

yes, this is looking good. And I'm getting an idea. One option for this new Safari is to take out the stock grille if we dont like it, and add a custom-made black mesh grille. Also Cover the pointed ends of the front indicators. And we should have a good looking truck there.

Modifying the grille is a cosmetic thing, and in no way should void any warrantly.

Also, any one modifying the grille can also incorporate Hella's into the space there. Will also protect these aux lights.

Any PS Experts here .. ?

[IronH4WK]

with that chrome trim eating into the headlights, it looks kinda squint-eyed.

[rrsteer]

The latest spy shot is some relief. Because the last picture of the Merlin in the thread before this was not exciting at all.

At the risk of being a stuck record, I 'd still say no matter the internal/external changes, I will consider the Merlin to be an improvement only if its dynamics (handling, braking ) are much better than the existing model. And I also hope there is weight reduction, lesser turning radius and more robust suspension (which is the Achilles heel of the existing model) on offer.

After having driven a 2.2 safari for 95K kms I feel very confident about the reliability & durability of the engine and of the performance too. But when I look at the engine specs : 320 Nm torque, I always feel the engine has not been that well integrated in the current Safari. So I hope the Merlin is better in that sense too.

[ranc]

Originally Posted by Latheesh

I like the stance of the beast!

Looks good when in covers, without the covers looks pretty odd and ordinary. Its just my opinion so dont take it otherwise all you safari fans.

[cediafan]

I think we can rule out a Sep launch now. We would have surely seen some kind of marketing buzz being created if it was going to be launched in Sep. Also, did anyone notice the Safari ads that have suddenly reappeared on TV - 'just for 7.95 lacs'?

[lordofgondor]

Originally Posted by cediafan

... Also, did anyone notice the Safari ads that have suddenly reappeared on TV - 'just for 7.95 lacs'?

On the bright side, this could be an indicator that the new product is gonna be in the market sometime soon and they're advertising to sell the current stock.

[sahakar]

Originally Posted by lordofgondor

On the bright side, this could be an indicator that the new product is gonna be in the market sometime soon and they're advertising to sell the current stock.

+1 - It sure indicates a new model around the corner else whats the need to advertise the Safari. Lets hope something by Diwali.

Cheers

[cediafan]

@lordofgondor - Maybe. Based on some unofficial reports, Merlin was supposed to co-exist with Safari and replace only the top end versions. If that is the case, clearing the GX and VX versions would make sense. However, AFAIK, Safari dealers have not increased discounts on these versions so I am not sure whats cooking.

[himanshugoswami]

on the contrary dealers in NCR are offering NO discounts on teh EX or GX- only a 25k discount on LX

[Irish]

Tata Safari Merlin might be launched on 27th September, 2011


Don't know, if its true, but if the following links are to be believed then Tata Safari Merlin may be launched on 27th September 2011:

Tata Safari Merlin SUV launch in India on 27th September, 2011 | Auto News | IndiaOnCars

Tata Safari Merlin | Launch | September 27 | New Premium SUV | Spy Shots | Land Rover | Design

But I don't think that it will happen before the Auto Show in 2012.

Cheers!
Irish

[arvindmanju]

there is one of the picture from our tbhp member on this link
Tata Safari Merlin | Premium SUV | September Launch | Force One | Mahindra Global SUV |