Tata Motors is planning to introduce the next generation Tata Safari in the Indian market. The car has been codenamed as ‘Safari18’ and is expected to be branded as Tata Merlin in the Indian market. There are several spy shots of the car doing rounds on the internet already, courtesy TeamBHP.
Tata Motors have been developing this SUV for the past two years and will be launching Merlin in the first quarter of 2011. The model will be powered by 2.2L DICOR engine and will be equipped with better interiors including improved AC, better quality plastic and fabric, improved gearbox. Tata Merlin will be equipped with the engine, gearbox and alloy wheels that are already present in the newly launched Tata Aria.
Tata Merlin is being built on the Aria crossover platform and is expected to host advanced features such as ESP, side airbags, and traction control. It is expected to be launched during the first half of 2011. There are no indications for the final price or finer technical details of the car.
![Tata Safari [2021-2023]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/40027/safari-exterior-right-front-three-quarter-2.jpeg?q=80 "Tata Safari [2021-2023]")
