Mahindra XUV300 is expected to feature a 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel producing class leading power outputs
Mahindra & Mahindra will be launching its top of the range XUV700 flagship SUV on October 9 and its launch date coincides with that of rival Honda CR-V. The homegrown grown automaker was expected to launch the S201 subcompact SUV in the months shortly after the XUV700’s arrival to capitalise on the festive furore.
However, it does not appear to be the case anymore as Mahindra could take some time off before launching the brand new S201 based on SsangYong’s successful Tivoli. Mahindra hopes to keep the momentum going with the XUV700, after the positive response received for the Marazzo MPV that debuted on September 3 with aggressive introductory pricing.
The S201 or XUV300 is the bigger volume player of the three and enables Mahindra to have another go at the subcompact SUV space. Consequently, Mahindra could take until March 2019 to introduce the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza in the highly competitive segment with big volume capabilities.
Mahindra did not endure consistent sales figures with the TUV300 over the years despite posting a strong run initially. The five-seat S201 though is not a rugged boxy SUV as the TUV300 and instead has a modern exterior with wraparound projector headlights, a sleek overall profile, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED tail lights with sporty signature, roof-integrated spoiler and so on.
Deriving plenty of design inspiration from the SsangYong Tivoli, it comes equipped with an instrument cluster, AC vents and centre console identical to the distant cousin. Moreover, it will get standard safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminder, speed alert function, ISOFIX child mounts, etc as standard.
The high-spec variants will allow for a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, reversing sensors and camera, cruise control, electrically operable wing mirrors, steering mounted controls, panoramic sunroof, etc. It is more likely to be positioned in the Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh price range (ex-showroom).
The Mahindra S201 or XUV300 is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit with class leading performance – the former could produce around 140 hp and the latter 120 hp. The monocoque SUV shrunken to suit the needs of sub-4m space is front-wheel-driven as standard.