Update - IAB reader Gokulraj sent us four images of the Mahindra S101 testing in Chennai. Expect it to be in showrooms in the second half of the year, competing with B segment hatchbacks and sub-4m sedan.
Will be powered by newly developed petrol and diesel engines.
Mahindra's upcoming small car, the S101 (codename) was spotted on test yet again. The S101, apart from being a new segment entrant for the Indian car maker, also launches an all-new monocoque platform.
In fact, Mahindra has said that 2015 will see the launch of three new platforms (the monocoque of the S101, the ladder-frame of the U301 and a small LCV platform for the P601). However, the company has not shared the exact timelines for their launches.
As these spyshots show clearly, the S101 will get a dashboard-mounted gearlever, and a bench-type seat in the front, much like the Datsun Go. The slightly high-set seats are meant to give the driver the feeling of driving a crossover, though the overall size of the S101 will be in the whereabouts of a Maruti Swift.
Power for the S101 will come from newly-developed petrol and diesel engines, with automated manual transmission (AMT) being a possible gearbox choice. Mahindra also plans on introducing an AMT on its slow-selling ladder-on-frame Quanto SUV this year.
Also read: 2014 Mahindra XUV500 - Review
The car maker understands the shift in buyers preference towards a clutch-less experience, and petrol powered cars owing to the narrowing price gap between petrol and diesel. Currently Mahindra is unrepresented in both segments, but hopes to increase its market presence with the S101, U301, XUV500 AT and Quanto AMT.
Competitors: Tata Nexon, VW Taigun, Ford EcoSport, Maruti XA Alpha
Expected Price: INR 5-7 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch Date: 2015
[Source : MotorBeam]
