IAB Reader spies the Mahindra U321 MPV (Toyota Innova rival) up close

19/03/2017 - 14:23 | ,  ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

To launch in India in the middle of FY 2017-2018, reportedly.

The Mahindra U321 MPV has been spied up close by "IAB fan & obsessionist" Sowmya Chennai, close to where Mahindra’s vehicle development centre – Mahindra Research Valley – is located. The Innova rival is still under development and is reported to launch in India in the middle of FY 2017-2018.

Mahindra U321 MPV (Toyota Innova rival) front spied on test
The Toyota Innova Crysta rival is still under development and is reported to launch in India in the middle of FY 2017-2018.

The spyshots give a pretty a good idea as to what we can expect with respect to exterior design. Instead of following the trend of beefing the exterior to stand out as a crossover, which seems to be the fad these days, the Mahindra U321 appears to be a conventional MPV. It has the characteristic Mahindra toothed grille, bulbous headlamps with projector lens, and what seems to be a split radiator grille. The rear-end slightly slopes to the front and features wraparound taillamps, and large windscreen with rear wiper.

While the Innova is based on a ladder-frame platform, the Mahindra U321 is reported to be based on a monocoque platform. This is expected to make it lighter and more composed than the Innova. It is reported to be riding on an all-new platform developed by the Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in Troy, Michigan.

Mahindra U321 MPV (Toyota Innova rival) rear quarter spied on test
While the Innova is based on a ladder frame platform, the Mahindra U321 is reported to be based on a monocoque platform developed in the USA.

Also Read: Mahindra & Ford mulling over a technical partnership – Report

Reports suggest that one of the multiple engine options for U321 is an all-new 1.5L diesel engine co-developed with Ssangyong, while others proclaim that the 1.9L and 2.2L mHawk motors from the Scorpio have found a place in the U321. A petrol option is also likely, given that Mahindra has plans of exporting the U321.

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