To be launched this year.
Update - IAB reader Kanika spotted the U301 again, testing in Chennai. The spyshot provides another look at car's boxy profile and vertical flanks that would contribute to high headroom. Lurking behind the camouflage is a high waistline, short overhangs, and as the wheels are pushed to extreme corners, the focus on this vehicle is on interior space.
Said to be the next gen Bolero, the Mahindra U301 was caught recently by IAB's reader Aravind KS. The test mules (two of them as seen in the picture) were on the Grand Southern Trunk road in Chennai.
As previous reports and spyshots suggested, the U301-based SUV will be a sub-4 meter vehicle, hence benefiting from lower taxes. In terms of engines, the vehicle is expected to use newly developed 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre units.
Like the updated Scorpio, the U301 will get a hydroformed chassis, hence enabling better road manners. Unlike the smaller S101 crossover, which is also expected to launch this year, the new Bolero will continue using a body-on-frame structure. One of the two vehicles on test was shod with a new design 10-spoke alloys and a side-step, indicating a higher variant while the other was running on black steel wheels.
These recent set of spyshots also include one that shows the partially covered interior. Amidst testing cables and a cover over the dashboard, the rectangular shape of the AC vents can be seen. The centre console appears to be slightly protruding while the vents are located a little higher.
Also read: Ssangyong Tivoli compact crossover revealed
The Indian car maker has a total of seven launches planned for 2015, two of which will be compact SUVs U301 and the S101.
Competitors: Tata Movus, Chevrolet Tavera
Expected Price: INR 6-8 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch Date: Late-2015 (Tentative)
