IAB reader Sandeep Sreeram has spotted a top-end Mahindra S201 with alloy wheels, roof rails and rear spoiler undergoing road testing in Chennai. Mahindra is extensively testing the S201 on city roads and highways ahead of its January 2019 launch.
The Mahindra S201 is the locally adapted version of the SsangYong Tivoli. The biggest change is that the Mahindra-badged version measures no longer than 4,000 mm for lower GST. Mahindra has tinkered with the design giving the small SUV an XUV-like grille, modified bumpers and horizontal tail lamps in place of vertical ones.
The interior of the Mahindra S201 won’t differ much from that of the SsangYong Tivoli, though, a previous spy shot had shown. That said, SsangYong will introduce a refreshed interior in the Tivoli with the mid-cycle update in the coming months.
In another move to attract lower taxes, the S201 will use a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine instead of 1.6-litre units. The 1.5-litre diesel engine, which will debut in the Mahindra Marazzo next month, will come paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. It will produce around 121 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
Key features of the S201 will include LED headlamps, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, electric sunroof, passive keyless entry, engine start-stop button, cruise control, touchscreen infotainment system and seven airbags.
Also Read: 7 Mahindra vehicles that didn't click in India
The Mahindra S201 will compete with the Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon. It could have a starting price of between INR 7 lakh and INR 8 lakh (ex-showroom).
