Tata Motors has been testing the new Safari, the Merlin as it is called since a long time. We caught the Merlin testing in and around Pune. The Tata Merlin was heavily camouflaged and will take cues from Land Rover SUVs. The Merlin will sport the same 2.2-liter DICOR engine, which produces 140 PS of at 4000 RPM and 320 Nm of torque between 1700-2700 RPM. The Tata Merlin will have better quality plastics than the Safari and is expected to be launched in October, 2011. The Merlin will bridge the gap between the Safari and the Aria. It will be offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants but majority of the sales are expected from the 2-wheel drive variants. The Tata Merlin will face tough competition from the upcomong Force One SUV.