Update - Suraj Suprabhan has spotted the Mahindra S201 on test in Chennai. The Tivoli-based Mahindra SUV could be positioned parallel to the Mahindra Scorpio as a competitor to top-end variants of monocoque frame crossovers Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Tata Nexon.
March 7, 2017 -
Will be based on the Ssangyong Tivoli's X100 platform.
Reader Kiran Kumar has spotted the Mahindra S201 test mule in Chennai. As the S201 is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli's X100 platform, early prototypes are simply Tivolis wrapped in black and white camouflage.
According to older reports, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, had confirmed that the new compact SUV is in the works. Positioned above the Scorpio, it will rival the top-spec variants of softroaders like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, the upcoming Tata Nexon and the Hyundai Carlino.
Reports promise that the Mahindra S201 will look different from the SsangYong Tivoli. The exterior and interior styling could be penned jointly by Mahindra and Pininfarina. It’s unknown what engine options are planned for the Mahindra S201. Mahindra has a wide portfolio of diesel engines, but only a few petrol units.
Also Read: Mahindra may launch Pininfarina-designed electric SUV
The S201 will more than likely offer petrol option at launch, which could debut a new 1.5-litre four cylinder unit which the Mahindra is co-developing with SsangYong. It will be available in both manual and automatic transmissions, while an AWD system is unlikely.
Expect to hear more on the S201 later this year.
