We all are familiar with the plans of Mahindra coming up with a Ford EcoSport rival and we have earlier seen many spyshots of the camouflaged compact SUV codenamed S101. The sub-4 metre Mahindra compact SUV has been spotted yet again in Chennai with heavy camouflage, revealing its tail lights (likely to be dummy units). It seems like the designers at the drawing board are yet to finalise the styling of this entry level Mahindra. The spyshots reveal Ford EcoSport like short yet tall stance. It is being developed on a new monocoque platform unlike the Quanto, which is based on the Xylo platform.
The Mahindra S101 will borrow some styling cues from the XUV500 and is likely to have a tailgate mounted spare wheel for the feel of an SUV. Expect muscular and broad styling details on the mini SUV. The interior packaging is being done in a way to provide optimum cabin space. For instance, the spare wheel is mounted on the tailgate to free up some space in the boot and the gear lever is mounted onto the dashboard. Interior styling is expected to be shared from the current lineup in order to keep the costs in check.
Mahindra will offer both diesel and petrol engine options. The diesel powered variant will feature the same 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre motor from the Quanto producing 98 BHP of power. However, the company is said to be testing a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine for the S101, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Mahindra should consider launching the S101 well before 2016 because the EcoSport is already topping the sales chart and the competition in this segment is expected to get even more challenging in the coming months with many manufacturers planning an entry.
Pictures Source – Auto Carma
