Mahindra will be bringing its baby SUV next year to rival the Ford EcoSport in the compact SUV segment. While numerous spy shots earlier gave us a glimpse of the car carrying donor parts, the new images that were snapped by Quartermile.in reader Mr. Jithesh Jagadeeshan near Ooty reveal certain production parts on the model as the compact SUV takes shape.
Codenamed internally as S101 by Mahindra, the spy shots showcase large headlamps on the baby SUV that get daytime running LED lights like the XUV500. We do expect to see more XUV influence in the design of the S101 as well, featuring a similar grille and bumper design. The tail gate too was production spec that will also hold the mounted spare wheel, like on the EcoSport to maximise cabin space.
Mahindra could also offer the S101 as a 7-seater that will enable the crossover to take on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the likes in the MPV segment. The crossover will be Mahindra’s second vehicle to feature a monocoque chassis and will be produced at the company’s Cheyyur manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. We do hope Mahindra also works on the ride quality and handling of the compact SUV, which should be nothing like the Quanto.
In terms of powertrain, the Mahindra S101 will most likely feature the new 1.2-litre petrol engine that the company has developed, while a 1.5-litre diesel engine will also be powering the crossover. Transmission options could include a 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox. The small capacity engines and the sub-4 metre body will also help Mahindra evade the excise duties marginally, helping them to price the S101 more competitively in the segment. Expect the S101 Compact SUV to launch in the second half of 2015.
Spy Pictures Source – Quartermile.in