One of the world’s biggest conglomerates, and certainly India’s largest, Tata, has in its motor division a mouse out on the prowl. Tata Motor has highly ambitious plans that may include taking over the world, starting with Land Rover and Jaguar.

But first they have to make this new spied SUV work for them. The Tata Safari, famous for being India’s very first locally designed, developed and manufactured SUV, has evolved to its next incarnation as these spy shots reveal. Snapped while taking a leisurely drive in northern Sweden, it seems Tata is taking its vehicle testing quite seriously.

Available in both 4x2 and 4x4, the Safari was launched in 1998 and restyled in 2005. Originally it featured a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine. For such a hefty customer, it would seem the Safari was underwhelmed by this powerplant, hence the introduction of a more vigorous 3.0-litre turbo diesel. A 2.0-litre diesel was also made available for 2005 model year.

Safaris currently range from about USD 16,350 to USD 28,480 in the Indian market. By contrast, a baseline Mistubishi Pajero will set you back around USD 47,025.