Mahindra has plans to launch three new products – Marazzo MPV, S201 SUV (aka XUV300) and a Rexton based SUV (XUV700). Of these, the S201 is a sub 4 meter, 5 seater product which is being actively tested and has been spied on a number of occasions drawing attention to its on-board features.
The latest spy shots come from Karu Petrol Pump, which is located on the Leh-Manali highway. It is about 30 kms before Leh. The SUV was there for off-road testing purpose. It was being filled with petrol, which confirms that the car will come with a petrol engine.
Mahindra S201 is based on SsangYong Tivoli SUV, which is currently on sale in international markets. Also known as the XUV300, this new Mahindra SUV will share its underpinnings and body panels with the Tivoli. Spy shots reveal that the SUV gets projector headlamps and LED tail lamps along with a sunroof and redesigned front and rear profiles.
Its features rich interiors will be seen with dual zone climate controls, disc brakes, multiple airbags, a 7” touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while Mahindra could also bring in a SatNav on the new S201.
The dashboard in a black and beige color scheme will have an aluminum panel dividing it into two halves. The S201 will also have display for reverse camera, dual USB port and AUX-IN with 12V socket. The central console is finished in piano black with buttons for air conditioner and defogger.
In terms of safety, the top spec model will get 7 airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS, EBD, tyre pressure monitoring system and seat belts with dual pre-tensioners. As is also seen on the international spec counterpart, Mahindra XUV300 could also come in with three driving modes – Normal, Comfort and Sport.
2018 Mahindra XUV300 could be powered by a 1.2 liter G80 turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5 liter mHawk diesel engine. The engines will be mated to options of manual and AMT. No prices have been announced as on date, but considering the Mahindra S201 will compete with Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza, prices in the Rs 7-10 lakh bracket are expected.
