Next gen Quanto which is a part of new global MPV platform codenamed U321 is being developed in the US.
According to a report in Economic Times, the country's UV leader Mahindra is preparing itself to launch three sub-4 metre SUVs in the 18-24 months.
The Mahindra S101 would target the premium hatchbacks. [Image credit: Mr. Sharav Venkatesh] It's already known that the Ford EcoSport rivaling Mahindra S101 which is testing extensively is due next year. The second product would be the next gen Bolero codenamed U301 which also has been spotted on test quite a number of times in Chennai. ET reports that the third mini SUV is the facelifted Quanto codenamed U215 which is currently undergoing a design overhaul at the company's Italian design centre.
The U301 (next gen Bolero) could co-exist with the current model which is still popular in rural areas, says ET. [Image credit: Mr. Manoj]The S101 would be the entry level mini SUV, positioned to lure prospective premium hatchback customers, while the U301 is reported to be positioned upmarket with a "Jeep Wrangler-like appearance". The Quanto facelift would slot in between, offering customers a wide range to choose from.
Moving forward, Mahindra's global MPV platform codenamed U321 will spawn the Quanto and Xylo replacements when its ready in 2017. The platform is being engineered at Mahindra's North American Technical Centre in Troy, Michigan.
Competitors of the new Mahindra mini SUVs: Ford EcoSport, VW Tiguan, Renault Duster, Hyundai ix25
Expected Price for the new Mahindra mini SUVs: INR 5 - 10 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Launch Date for the new Mahindra mini SUVs: By late 2016
