The Mahindra P601 LCV will be primarily competing against the Tata mini pick-up range comprising of the Ace models as well as Maruti’s new Y9T LCV that will be launched early next year.
Mahindra’s next major offering in the commercial space will be the all-new light commercial vehicle (LCV) codenamed ‘P601’ that was caught testing by our reader Rishath Suresh in Chennai. Having graduated to a production spec avatar, the new P601 was carrying test dummies and was incidentally caught alongside rival, the Tata Ace pick-up with which it will be competing in the segment. In terms of design, the production model received a more upright front fascia with obovate shaped headlights, while the interiors too appear production ready and will be sharing parts with other models in Mahindra’s stable.
To be the smallest commercial offering from the auto giant, the new Mahindra P601 is expected to be offered with a payload capacity of 600-750 kgs and will be available in different wheelbases. A larger version with a payload capacity of around 1 tonne is also expected to be on offer to compete against the Tata Super Ace. Built on a completely new platform, the powertrain remains a mystery on the new P601 LCV; however, there is a possibility of an all-new small capacity diesel engine or a modified version of the Maxximo’s 909cc two-cylinder diesel engine to be found under the hood.
With the Mahindra P601 LCV taking shape and fast, the Indian auto giant is all set to compete against the Tata Ace as well as the upcoming Maruti Y9T LCV that will be launched early next year. The new model will be produced at Mahindra’s upcoming Cheyyar facility in Tamil Nadu that will also produce the S101 compact SUV starting from next year. 2015 will certainly be a launch after launch packed year for Mahindra and the P601 LCV can be expected to hit the showrooms by mid next year.
