To launch for sale before February 2018.
Based on spy shots of pre-production test mules, Shoeb R Kalania has created a rendering the Mahindra U321's profile, following our illustrations of the front fascia and rear fascia. Mahindra's rival to the Toyota Innova Crysta is confirmed to launch before February 2018 by M&M's Managing Director Dr Pawan Goenka, which is the same month the Auto Expo 2018 is scheduled.
We imagined the top-spec U321 with features like black plastic cladding, chunkier tires and diamond cut alloy rims, roof rails and a high ground clearance. It gives it the tough look Mahindras are known for but expect lower variants to have a plainer styling. Recent spy shots of test mules reveal a V-shaped grille with chrome inserts similar to the KUV100, bulbous projector headlamps and LED-powered taillamps.
The U321 is Mahindra's first product to be designed and developed by the Mahindra North American Technology Center (MNATC) in Troy, Michigan, and will be completed by the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai with an investment of INR 1500 crore. It is based on a monocoque platform and could source the transverse-spec 2.2L mHawk turbodiesel motor from XUV500. Other reports are claiming that a Mahindra-SsangYong co-developed 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine will debut in the U321.
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The U321 could launch as an 8-seater (2+3+3) and a 7-seater with captain chairs in the second row (2+2+3), and a price positioning right between the Ertiga and the Crysta would be perfect.
The U321 is a vital cog in Mahindra's aspirations to establish a footprint in global markets.
