The midsize sedan could be developed by Mahindra on its own or it may be involved in the collaborative project with Ford
Mahindra & Mahindra has an eclectic portfolio of SUVs in the domestic market and has taken a hit due to the changing preferences among customers and more manufacturers bringing in new sub-segments. The largest passenger UV marker in the country has started to respond with a new breed of vehicles and the arrival of Marazzo MPV in a diligent price range is a testament to that.
The company did have a hard time with its Vertio Vibe, a hasty take on its sedan sibling, but it is reportedly developing its first proper hatchback from the ground up based on an electric drivetrain. Mahindra’s maiden electrified SUV is the KUV100 EV codenamed S110 and it is expected to be launched sometime next year.
The micro-SUV’s underpinnings could be used in the hatchback which was said to be designed by Mahindra-owned legendary Italian design house, Pininfarina. Having been responsible for styling some of the supercar icons in its nearly nine decades of history, Pininfarina will likely play an integral part in the visual and interior sections of upcoming Mahindra vehicles.
Pininfarina has also speculated to have involvement in the design project of the brand new midsize sedan for Mahindra. Chances are that it could compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Toyota Yaris. Mahindra may develop the probable C-segment sedan on its own or seek expertise from Ford.
The upmarket sedan may follow a compact e-SUV codenamed S210 and it is reportedly based on SsangYong’s platform. Mahindra could be investing $120 million (close to Rs. 900 crores) on the electric hatchback project if it gets sanctioned by the top honchos. Apart from a confirmed midsize SUV, Mahindra and Ford could jointly develop an electric vehicle based on the Figo or Aspire’s architecture.
As for the immediate future, Mahindra is launching the flagship XUV700, rebadged version of SsangYong G4 Rexton, later next month with high local content while the S201 subcompact SUV will likely be introduced in the coming months to firmly rival Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon.