Tata Safari Storme Breaks Cover (Launch Coverage: Pg.301+)

[raj_5004]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

From the interior pics, the dash seems to be too low, maybe for better visibility.

But the head unit is a single DIN... in this age of double DINs & touch screens? And it is placed way too below in the dash, below the AC controls... it should be the other way round. Right now it is just ahead of the gear lever...

Climate Control also seems to be missing but the pic maybe of a lower variant.

 

[tornado78]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

Hi All,

Back in town after a very long trip (Delhi to Jaisalmer via Jodhpur in just 4 days, 2000kms). Will write down my travelogue and share it with you all.

Now back to topic about new tata safari, i beleive that tata might position it as a new/upgraded safari over and above the existing safari in a price band of 8.5L to 9.0L base model. They will continue to sell the old safari with some of the price reductions.

Iam praying to GOD that TATA will launch the base model within the limit of 8.5L or OTR 10L in Delhi so that i can go ahead and buy it on day one of its launch.

The New Safari will have (as per various websites):

1. The new HYDROFORMED CHASIS: means better handling, less body roll

2. Dual Mass Flywheel: reduces vibrations/torque spikes makes engine and transmission to work well

3. Spare wheel under body: No rear gate rattle and squeks, better rear visibility

4. Improved body design: less drag, better aerodynamic body help in better handling.

5. MARK II Gearbox: Smooth gear changes, less vibrations

6. New Headlights: Better Illuminations

7. Less weight: Because of new chasis and weight reduction excercise by tata engineers to improve handling and fuel efficiency

8. Extensive on road testing: Niggle free vehicle (hope so) as they have also learned many things from ARIA (few niggles reported by owners)

Hope TATA will launch this vehicle in coming Auto Expo and at a price below or around 8.5L....

 

[HVMO]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

I just came across following site for the latest spy shot. the shot taken during shooting of AD for new safari.
SOURCE:
Goa On Wheels More Images of the Safari Storm - Goa On Wheels

 

[AMG]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

More pics.

 

[S Class]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

The new Safari Merlin/Storm.... will be having side jumping seats at the back. This is the info which I have. Those looking for 3 row seats will be dissapointed, though I am happy coz I love existing seating arrangement of Safari.
It will also have dual exhaust like XUV 500 :).

 

[raj_5004]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

WHAT??? Jump seats in the boot! Are you sure S class?

For sure, that will be a HUGE turn off for many. Gosh, what is TATA thinking? I hope this is not true.

 

[AMG]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

That is great news, if it is true Though I personally doubt the authencity of the info.

WHAT??? Jump seats in the boot! Are you sure S class?
For sure, that will be a HUGE turn off for many. Gosh, what is TATA thinking? I hope this is not true.

And a turn on for some.

 

[S Class]

First of all, Safari is a lifestyle vehicle & not mass mover; hence 3rd row or not won't make much difference. Safari is essentially meant to seat 1+4 with 2 kids seats/boot. Even from spy pics jump seats can be seen; yet those who don't believe can wait for official launch.

 

[raj_5004]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

First of all, I dont agree Safari is a "lifestyle" or a "cult" vehicle as is projected by fans, sorry.

But, even if its a 5 seater with 2 seats for kids in the boot, from a safety & comfort point of view, front facing seats are always better than side facing ones.

I hope front facing seats are atleast optional.

 

[2teja]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

SUV's are indeed lifestyle vehicles, and trucks that find their utility in Farms, as a people mover are infact SUV too, but marketed as MUV to distinguish between a set of people owning trucks who drive in the badlands, shuttling people, cargo, using in farms and the swish set who want fancy thrills, a nice ICE, plush seat covers and other luxuries. And hence, MUVs are not termed as lifestyle vehicles but SUVs are, technically both are same.

You are right in saying that Safari is not a "CULT" vehicle, it's just that it had and still has a very strong fan following and the "Reclaim you life" ads have inspired a lot many of us to go for Safari. I'm a die hard Safari fan, but instead opted for Scorpio, trust Mahindra more than Tata. I wish I had Rs. 20 Lack to spare, I would have bought the Safari for around Rs. 11 lack and kept Rs. 9 Lack for its maintenance. Unfortunately, neither do I have that much spare money nor do I have that much spare time.

 

[AMG]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

First of all, I dont agree Safari is a "lifestyle" or a "cult" vehicle as is projected by fans, sorry.



But, even if its a 5 seater with 2 seats for kids in the boot, from a safety & comfort point of view, front facing seats are always better than side facing ones.

I hope front facing seats are atleast optional.

No harm in giving them as an option.
But I am strictly against front facing seat only.

SUV's are indeed lifestyle vehicles, and trucks that find their utility in Farms, as a people mover are infact SUV too, but marketed as MUV to distinguish between a set of people owning trucks who drive in the badlands, shuttling people, cargo, using in farms and the swish set who want fancy thrills, a nice ICE, plush seat covers and other luxuries. And hence, MUVs are not termed as lifestyle vehicles but SUVs are, technically both are same.

SUVs are lifestyle vehicles, agreed.
But then safari is not the only SUV in the country.
All SUVs are lifestyle vehiches, not only safari, which the fanboys believe.

You are right in saying that Safari is not a "CULT" vehicle, it's just that it had and still has a very strong fan following and the "Reclaim you life" ads have inspired a lot many of us to go for Safari. I'm a die hard Safari fan, but instead opted for Scorpio, trust Mahindra more than Tata. I wish I had Rs. 20 Lack to spare, I would have bought the Safari for around Rs. 11 lack and kept Rs. 9 Lack for its maintenance. Unfortunately, neither do I have that much spare money nor do I have that much spare time.

Well, said my friend.

Replies in Itallics.

 

[raj_5004]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

You are right in saying that Safari is not a "CULT" vehicle, it's just that it had and still has a very strong fan following and the "Reclaim you life" ads have inspired a lot many of us to go for Safari. I'm a die hard Safari fan, but instead opted for Scorpio, trust Mahindra more than Tata.

+100.

Same is the case with me, only difference being I was a Safari fan.

I wish I had Rs. 20 Lack to spare, I would have bought the Safari for around Rs. 11 lack and kept Rs. 9 Lack for its maintenance. Unfortunately, neither do I have that much spare money nor do I have that much spare time.

I seriously hope & wish that Merlin would not be another Safari saga, instead it should make amends & show us that TATA can make reliable vehicles too.

No harm in giving them as an option.
But I am strictly against front facing seat only.

I had once travelled in our Safari in the jump seat from Mumbai to Shirdi & trust me, it was horrible. I was along in the boot, so I had both the jump seats to myself but at the end of the trip, my back was gone!

 

[AMG]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

Ingress eggress to the third row is difficult.

A huge shortcoming for short city commutes with more than 5 people.

 

[raj_5004]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

^^^ That is also a valid point. But what would be my point is that how often do you carry 7 people on short city commutes? There would be greater chances of the whole family going together on longer trips & there front facing seats would be a boon.

 

[2teja]

Re: Scoop! New Tata Safari (aka Merlin) To Launch Soon

My point exactly, that Safari has a fan following, but that doesn't make it a cult vehicle although it has a cult following (Read: Obsessive).

I'll share an experience my uncle had with his swanky new Safari last year. I don't have proofs to show you guys but it trust me, it happened and no way I want demean Tata and their vehicles. So my uncle was driving and his Safari stalled, not between gear changes but it just became unresponsive, engine cut, ignition off and my uncle stopped the car. He then tried to open the door, but it won't open, none of the 5 doors Safari has, and the power windows went kaput as well. He called up Rama Motors in Okhla and they ruched to the scene within 10 minutes, the incident happened very close to the workshop. Towed the SUV, and found some electrical snag in the vehicle. Scary it was when my uncle told me. That ways, I'm happy with my Scorpio, no niggles except the front power windows which were changed under warranty. No matter how much I love Safari over my present Scorpio, I don't think I would ever have the courage to go for it, rather any Tata.