With 2019 nearing, the launch of the Mahindra S201 is closing in. YouTube channel Tech To People has put up a spy video of one of its prototypes undergoing road testing on a highway.
The Mahindra S201 will go on sale in January 2019. While the new model is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, it will be seen carrying several distinct styling elements, which will be courtesy of an all-new front- and rear-end. Moreover, the new model will be slightly smaller than its Korean donor. This will help it circumnavigate the higher GST that is levied on vehicles with an overall length of more than 4.0-metre.
The front-end of the Mahindra S201 will sport LED headlamps with U-shaped glow pattern, a six-slot grille, and a hexagonal air intake. The highlights of the side profile and the rear include 17-inch dual-ton machined alloy wheels, a new tailgate with registration plate housing, and horizontally positioned LED taillamps. In comparison, the Tivoli features a bumper-mounted licence plate and vertically-stacked tail lamps. Changes to the interior are expected to be restricted to a variation of the upholstery and material quality.
The equipment list of the top-end grade of the Mahindra S201 should include dual-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, passive keyless entry and engine start-stop button. The safety net on the new model will comprise seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, ABS with EBD, and ESP.
The Maruti Vitara Brezza-rival from Mahindra and Mahindra will be launched with turbocharged petrol and diesel motors. The former will displace 1.2-litre and is likely to offer a good mix of performance and frugality. The oil-burner on offer will be the Marazzo's 1.5-litre unit, which, in its present state, produces a maximum power of 121 bhp along with a peak torque of 300 Nm. It comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Also Read: G4 Rexton-based SUV to be called the Mahindra Inferno?
The Mahindra S201 should launch at a starting price of roughly INR 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Other than the Maruti Vitara Brezza, it will lock horns with the Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon.
