Tata Motors maybe planning a grand premiere for the next generation Safari at next month's Auto Expo but that isn't stopping them from testing the wheels off it. Codenamed Merlin, the new Safari on first glance is not a complete redo despite not sharing any body panels with the outgoing model.
Image sent in by Chaitanya Pise from Pune
Images show the new Safari taking a more upright stance, drawn back headlamps and spare wheel moved to the vehicle underbelly. Faux wood finish, chrome inserts and parts lifted off the Aria's inventory are details that interior photographs of the pre-production models revealed.
The 2.2-liter DICOR engine carries on under the bonnet with additions to reduce NVH. Paired to a G76 MkII gearbox, it could produce slightly higher power and torque.