There have been lot of rumours floating in the internet for quite some time about Tata Motors coming out with a new face lifted version of its SUV, the Safari. Now according to recent media reports, the rumour turns out to be true. Code named the Merlin, the company is indeed working on the facelifted version of the Safari and plans to launch it very soon in the Indian market probably by next year. The Merlin would be the most thorough update brought out by the company for this vehicle since it was launched in 1998. The significant changes brought into the vehicle include the front fascia, interiors and the rear end.
The front fascia sport a more aggressive stance now with a square spaced grille and a pronounced chin with a lip under the bonnet. It also gets projector headlights. The exhausts at the rear get chrome tipped finish. The interiors sport a good amount of wooden finish giving it a much more upmarket feel. The gear lever, on the other hand seems to have undergone no visual change whatsoever. The standard 4 spoke steering wheel can also be seen used in the vehicle which is although devoid of any audio controls. The car is going to be powered by the same 2.2 litre DICOR engine used in the current Safari which churns out 140 BHP of power. One of the major changes to the Merlin is the platform. The new Safari Merlin shares the X2 platform of the Tata Aria but it is shortenred by a small amount. The shortening of the wheelbase is bound to increase the car’s handling characteristics. The expected price is going to be around Rs. 11 lakhs.
Source – Autocar India
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Tata motors should launch the above cholor scheme as limited edition, its looking dazzling on the road…lolzz
Not impressed with front looks. I hate the prominant treatment done to the indicators. Looks ugly to me.
Rajan, with so much improvements, they could have done wonders to the front styling.
I wish they could have worked entirely on a new design.
hey ninu…their is an old saying in our country……”bandar kya jaane adrak ka swaad….Fools like you dont even know the capability of the monster benneth the hood.
Rishi brother, i have no doubts about the capabilities of the 2.2 Dicor inside the hood, if you read my post properly, its about the camouflage not the engine or the Safari.. :) lolzzz……
dude,this wont works,really it wont works,plz try to give the chance to new commers,again old thought.all other countries going to year 2012 ,our india still in 90′s.really its not up to the mark.no problems with engine,try to give wet look,again the face like pick-ups.dont try to give the speed,plz try to work on look.plz.becz iam one of the dedacated customer of safari,