The Mahindra S101 was caught on test recently near Chennai, where the company has its R&D center Mahindra Research Valley. The prototypes used for testing weren't fitted with production ready body panels or lights until recently. Even now, the taillights sport just the basic bulbs for the turn indicator, brake light and reverse light.
An image showing the interior of the S101 highlights the dashboard mounted gearlever. Relocating the gearlever from the floor to the center console frees up space for a bench type front passenger seat, and we will not be surprised if Mahindra were to market the S101 as a six seater (in a 3+3 configuration).
The interior image also shows the steering wheel which appears to be of a new design unseen in any Mahindra vehicle sold till date. The design of the steering wheel seems influenced by that of the XUV's.
The S101 will be a sub-4 meter product built on an all-new monocoque platform developed by Mahindra. It will be powered by petrol and diesel engines, the former jointly in development with subsidiary Ssangyong. The new petrol mill is reported to be a 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit, to adhere its beneficiaries to Indian small car regulations.
The S101 will roll out from Mahindra's new Cheyyar plant located in Tamil Nadu from next year.
[Images from Motor Vikatan]
