Update - IAB reader MJKalli has snapped the Mahindra TUV300 XL outside Chennai. M&M could deploy the 1.99L or 2.2L mHawk diesel engine on the stretched TUV when it comes to the market this year to appeal to the seven-seat utility vehicle prospective audience.
Jan 20, 2017 -
A true 7-seater that could be marketed as a modern alternative to the Bolero.
A Mahindra TUV300 XL test mule was spied testing in Surat by IAB reader Samarth Modi. It could land in dealerships this year and appeal to buyers in India and overseas as a modern alternative to the Mahindra Bolero.
The test mule retains the boxy exterior of the TUV300, with the only difference being an extended rear overhang. The third-row window are camo-wrapped, which is reported to hide the new front facing seats, instead of sourcing jump seats from its smaller sibling.
Rumoured to be called the Mahindra TUV500, the engine under the hood is expected to be a dialled-up version of the mHawk 100 diesel engine, which produces 100 hp and 240 Nm of torque in the TUV300 T8 grade. A 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT are to be the transmission options offered. Given that the XL is not a sub-4m class vehicle, Mahindra could lend it a larger displacement engine, as seen on the Scorpio or the Xylo.
Also Read: Mahindra KUV100 LHD variant spotted testing [Update]
The only rival of the TUV500 is the Honda BR-V crossover. Mahindra will also bank on the TUV500’s spacious interior and utilitarian platform to market it to the fleet buyer.
