June 28, 2018 -
Anything-On-Wheels has posted spyshots of the S201 from one of its test runs in Chennai. The sub-4m model, based on a chopped Ssangyong Tivoli chassis, will be introduced later this year in India with brand new engines.
June 6, 2018 -
Update - IAB reader Anish Koundanya spotted a test mule of the SsangYong Tivoli based Mahindra S201 near Chennai. The test mule seems to be wearing a production-ready body.
May 29, 2018 -
A Mahindra S201 test mule in production guise was spied yet again recently, this time by Autocar India. First spy shots of the SsangYong Tivoli based Maruti Vitara Brezza rival with production parts like lights, wheels and other elements surfaced over a month ago.
The Mahindra S201 is basically the SsangYong Tivoli with a slightly different design, shortened length, and some more changes to suit the Indian market better. The biggest difference between the two models is that while the SsangYong Tivoli is 4.2 metres long, Mahindra’s offering has a shortened length of not more than four metres. It has some design changes too, particularly at the rear.
The SsangYong Tivoli has vertical tail lamps and its license plate recess is on the lower bumper. The Mahindra S201 features horizontal tail lamps and its license plate recess is on the tailgate. This means that both models’ tailgate and rear bumper also look different. At the front, a differently designed grille is expected. Inside, the Mahindra S201 has a differently designed steering wheel.
Mahindra will offer the S201 with two engines, a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel unit. The petrol engine will feature direct injection and deliver a maximum power of around 140 hp.
Not measuring over four metres in length and having engines smaller than 1.2L (petrol)/1.5L (diesel) will help the Mahindra S201 qualify as a small car and attract lower tax than the likes of the Hyundai Creta. However, a longer version that offers seating for seven people and is said to follow later. This version would slot between the 5-seat version and the Mahindra XUV500.
Also See: G4 SsangYong Rexton (Mahindra Rexton) spied undergoing offroad testing in India
The monocoque-bodied Mahindra S201 will compete with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Ford EcoSport. In Mahindra’s line-up, it will slot above the Mahindra TUV300, which is built on a ladder-frame chassis. It will go on sale late this year, probably in the fourth quarter (October-December). Before the Mahindra S201, the Mahindra U321 will reach showrooms.
[Image Source: Autocar India & Anything-On-Wheels]
