As the launch of the Mahindra U321 nears, Mahindra has started testing it with more production-spec elements. In the latest, MotorBeam reader Ben Raja has spotted a U321 test mule that shows its fog lamps and LED DRL above them.
The Mahindra U321 is a three-row MPV that will replace the ageing Mahindra Xylo. Unlike the Xylo, the U321 has traditional MPV proportions and design. The new MPV is the company's first vehicle developed entirely at the Mahindra North American Technical Center in Michigan.
The Mahindra U321 will ride on a new monocoque platform developed by the Michigan-based R&D centre. This will make it the third monocoque platform-based product after the Mahindra XUV500 and Mahindra KUV100.
To position the Mahindra U321 below the Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra could offer it with the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines co-developed with SsangYong. To compete directly with the Japanese offering, the company will need the services of the 2.0-litre petrol engine (TBA) and the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. As an alternative to the manual transmission, the company may offer a 6-speed automatic sourced from Aisin.
Also See: Mahindra S201 (Hyundai Creta/Tata Q501 challenger) sighted near Pondicherry
Mahindra has commenced test production of the U321 at its Nashik plant in Maharashtra. The company has confirmed that it will launch the new MPV later this year.
[Image Source: MotorBeam]
