Crossover-like driving experience in a hatchback footprint and budget.
Indian Autos Blog reader Shank, spotted the upcoming Mahindra S101 (codename) test in Chennai recently.
The new Mahindra is set to debut next year, and is would (almost certainly) become the company's smallest car (the e2o comes under the Mahindra-Reva brand).
Though overall dimensions of the S101 will be comparable to a hatchback's, it will have a high seating position and ample visibility, in order to give the driver a feel of driving a crossover, say sources. Mahindra have also smartly designed the cabin of the S101 keeping utility at the forefront. For example, the gearlever of the car is mounted on the dashboard column to free up space.
At the heart of the S101 is an all-new monocoque platform developed from the ground up. While details about this platform remain unavailable, it will be the company's second monocoque platform, the first being the XUV500. And powering the S101 will be new three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, the former of which is reported to have been jointly developed with Ssangyong.
Mahindra S101 - What to expect
[Can't see the video above? Head to Youtube]
Competitors: VW Taigun, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon
Expected Price: INR 5-7 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch Date: 2015