Billed as a replacement to the Mahindra Xylo.
According to an insider who got in touch with Team-BHP, the Mahindra TUV500 (TUV300 XL) will pack the Scorpio's 2.2L mHawk diesel engine instead of the TUV300's 1.5L mHawk100 unit.
As it measures over four meters long, M&M has the freedom to install a diesel engine larger than the 1.5L. The bigger engine will ensure performance parameters like acceleration, top speed and real-world fuel efficiency are uncompromised due to the longer wheelbase and extra weight. As the TUV300's 5-speed AMT is incompatible with the 2.2L unit, Mahindra could offer the Scorpio's Aisin 6-speed automatic as an option. A 4WD system is unlikely to make the cut.
So far spy shots of the TUV500 have revealed the boxy exterior nearly identical to the TUV300, save for the extended rear overhang. With the longer length, reports say that Mahindra will add front-facing third-row seats with much better knee room for occupants than the side facing jump seats of the TUV300.
Mahindra is yet to confirm the launch of the extended TUV300. Billed as a replacement of the Mahindra Xylo that came in 2009, as well as a more contemporary solution to the Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra's next UV is rumoured to launch post the introduction of the Intelli-Hybrid system for XUV500.
[Source: Team-BHP]
