2011 Safari replacement is called the Tata Safari Merlin the code name for the same is Safari18. It has something to do with the fact that it had to be developed in 18 months. IndianCarsBikes.in spotted the new Tata Safari Merlin near the Tata Motors manufacturing plant in Pune. The Tata Safari Merlin SUV could be ready for launch by June-2011 and could be priced at around Rs 12 lakh.
Proportions of the new SUV look similar to that of the Safari. But, unlike the Safari, the Merlin is based on the Tata Aria platform. The new Safari Merlin rides on the same 16-inch rims of the Aria. The front looks clean, neat & non-pretentious, heavily inspired by the big brother, the Range Rover. The headlights look neat with HID Xenon head lamps. The model which we spotted could be the top-of-the-line model since it also featured fog lamps integrated in the front bumper.
Powered with the same 2.2 litre DICOR engine but will get a dual mass flywheel and a better gearbox (à la Tata Aria), the maximum power expected is 140 Bhp @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of about 320 Nm @ 1700 rpm. New safari seems to have a similar profile and dimensions as the old, at least on the exteriors.
Inside, the test car had all-New Electronic Switches, New Meter Dials, white back-lighting while the driver’s seat had an arm rest. As per source till now is that the AC is better than the safari and it has better interiors and plastic quality and has a more comfortable ride quality. Rear is also Mostly Re-designed with All-New Tail-Gate with Re-designed Tail-Gate glass(for better Rear visibility), Missing Spare wheel(which might’ve been moved under the body or in the Boot), New Bumper & Re-designed Squarish Tail-lamps in coherence with the Body design, But seems to be well Integrated too.
Also see – Tata Safari Armoured Version launched for 60 Lakh Rupees
More pictures of Tata Safari Merlin SUV –
Source – IndianCarsBikes.in
Image Credit – Motoroids.com
