Spied - Mahindra S101 on test

11/07/2014 - 20:29 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

The Mahindra S101 (codename) was spotted on test once again, this time on the Chennai-Trichy highway, by enthusiast Ramjin of Team Fiat. The location is in close proximity to Mahindra's R&D Center which is developing this product.

Mahindra S101 caught testing in India rear view shot
The S101 is Mahindra's second FWD monocoque vehicle and could have a bench-type 3+3 seating layout.

The S101, which is Mahindra's answer to compact crossovers like the EcoSport, will launch sometime next year along with the U301 (next generation Bolero). The S101, which will be the smallest car Mahindra has made (excluding the e2o and Verito Vibe), is based on an all-new monocoque platform. As the images show, the car will measure below 4 meters in length to take advantage of the small car excise duty benefits.

Mahindra seems to have finalized the styling of most of the car, and design cues are expected to be picked from the XUV500. Inside, the S101 has been spied with a dashboard mounted gearlever hinting that a bench-type seat can be expected at the front (similar to the Datsun Go).

Mahindra S101 caught testing in India side angle
The S101 will be joined by the U301 (sub-4m next gen Bolero) to form a compact SUV duo for Mahindra.

Powering the S101 will be an all-new 1.2-liter petrol engine that Mahindra is developing with Ssangyong. The petrol motor will be complemented by the 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine (seen on the Quanto) in the lineup. While a 5-speed manual gearbox is expected on the standard variants, Mahindra could also offer an automated manual transmission (an AMT-equipped Quanto was showcased at the Auto Expo this year).

The S101 and U301 will build up presence for Mahindra in the compact SUV segment, where its current card Quanto, is finding the situation hostile. In the first six months of 2014, the Quanto managed just 2,552 units, less than the volume that the Ford EcoSport or Renault Duster manages in a month.

[Can't see the video above? Head over to Youtube]

Competitors: VW Taigun, Ford EcoSport

Expected Price: INR 5-7 lakhs, ex-Showroom

[Source - TeamFiat.co.in]

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