Mahindra may be hesitating to launch the attractive Ssangyong Tivoli premium compact crossover in India due to the cost structure but the Indian OEM is betting big on its own version of compact crossover that would be based on its South Korean counterpart. The automaker is already testing a near-production ready SUV (codenamed S201) based on this platform. The production version is likely to go by the name XUV300.
From the looks of it, the Mahindra XUV300 would measure just under 4m to take advantage of excise duty benefits and go head on against the segment leading Maruti Brezza. It looks like the company is also planning to develop a pure electric version of this SUV to make it future ready.
According to a report from Economic Times, Mahindra is working on an electric SUV codenamed S210 which is based on a Ssangyong platform. We expect the S210 to be the electric version of the Tivoli-based S201.
Mahindra is also in the process of developing a bunch of other new electric products including a hatchback that would play in the Swift segment, a sedan that could be based on Ford Figo Aspire’s architecture (could be called as the new Verito), and an electric version of KUV 100.
The Mahindra e2O may have a head start in the Indian passenger EV segment but it is positioned as a lifestyle product rather than a mainstream family car. Mahindra’s new range of electric vehicles would change the scenario as they will be positioned as viable alternatives to the IC engined vehicles in a market where fuel prices are reaching new all-time high every passing day.
A comprehensive range of EVs in all shapes and sizes would not only help Mahindra appeal to a wider audience base but it will also help the company realize the benefits of economies of scales. Considering the the Indian government is pushing towards electrified mobility in the coming years, Mahindra is leaving no stones unturned to retain its market leadership in the green vehicle space. Maruti has already tied up with Toyota to launch a range of EVs and hybrids in India, starting with WagonR electric in 2020.
