HomeCar NewsSSangyong Mahindra S201 mini SUV to launch before full size variant?

SSangyong Mahindra S201 mini SUV to launch before full size variant?

Mahindra is working on a compact crossover to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster. Codenamed as Mahindra S201, the new SUV will be based on SsangYong’s X100 platform. The X100 platform also underpins the SsangYong Tivoli which was showcased at the Auto Expo earlier in 2016. Rushlane reader Raghavendra Bhandarkar (BigBang Biker) recently spotted the SSangyong Mahindra S201 testing on NH4.

Mahindra is currently in talks with its Korean subsidiary to get the licensing rights to the X100 platform. Though Mahindra owns SsangYong, the latter’s board has three independent directors who have to approve of this move.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3if3wtliYA

Mahindra is not expected to face any hurdles in securing the platform rights. While the hardware will be shared with the Tivoli, the Mahindra top hat is expected to be entirely new, possibly with considerable inputs from Pininfarina.

It’s to be noted that the X100 platform has also spawned an extended derivative of Tivoli called the XLV (Tivoli Air in Korea). The existence of two SsangYong products of different sizes points towards the platform’s flexibility. However, it’s too early to speculate if the Mahindra S201 will be a 5-seater or 7-seater, or both (5 +2 seats). Both SSangyong Mahindra S201 Tivoli SUV variants should be ready for launch in 2018. Building on the sub four-metre compact SUV with 5 seats will be a stretched variant that accommodates two more foldable seats. The SSangyong Mahindra S201 5 seater variant would be holstered to make the most of benefits reserved for cars that are below 4 metres in length.

The X100 platform has also spawned a stretched version of the Tivoli which is called as XLV or Tivoli Air.

Mahindra and SsangYong will work jointly in developing the new 1.5-litre TGDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection). This motor would be used by all X100-based products and is expected to be ready by 2018.

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