Mahindra’s compact SUV offensive

Update: Mahindra U301 to be called TUV300, launch in September 2015

Mahindra’s foray into the sub-four-metre segment has not gone according to plan so far. Its products in this category, the Mahindra Verito Vibe and the Quanto have been struggling to get four digit sales numbers. It can even be said that these cars embody a hurried approach from Mahindra to enter this category. The carmaker is now set to improve this effort, taking the compact SUV segment by the horns, and is coming up with two all-new compact SUV offerings.  The spy photos show that although both are compact SUV offerings, they differ quite a bit in personality and are targeted at two separate set of audiences.

Mahindra S101/102, What is it? 

• All-new compact SUV to take on the Ford EcoSport
• Developed grounds-up as a sub-four-metre vehicle on monocoque architecture
• Will be offered as a six-seater for the Indian market
• Engine line-up to include a 1.5-litre diesel and all-new 1.2-litre petrol
• AMT gearbox will be offered as well

Known by the internal codename Mahindra S101/102, this is likely to be a rival to the popular Ford EcoSport when it's launched sometime this year. Unlike the Verito Vibe and the Quanto, the Mahindra S101/102 compact SUV is based on an all-new monocoque platform that, from the outset, has been designed to duck the four-metre mark. Targeted at first-time car or SUV buyers, the S101/102 is expected to get a cab-forward design where the A-pillar starts just aft of the front wheel arch, helping to free up more interior room. The longish wheelbase stretches to almost the entire length of the car and its overall profile looks very hatchback-like.

On the inside, the Mahindra S101/102 has a wide two-seat passenger bench alongside the driver's seat, much like in the Datsun Go. Legroom for the middle passenger will be created by moving the gearlever up to the dashboard and getting rid of the centre console. This way, the S101/102 could be sold as a six-seater as well. What’s more, there are talks of Mahindra working on seven- or eight-seater versions too. Continued..

This vehicle is expected to rival the EcoSport and the upcoming Maruti YBA compact SUVs and will come with a rear-mounted spare wheel. On the engine front, expect Quanto’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder motor to do duty mated to a five-speed manual and an AMT gearbox. Mahindra’s S101/102 will also come with an all-new 1.2-litre petrol motor which will be the first one of an all-new engine family from the carmaker.

Mahindra U-301: What is it?

• All-new compact SUV to take on the Duster and Terrano
• Built on stronger-yet-lightweight, next-gen ladder-frame architecture
• Will be offered as a seven-seater
• 4WD variant also in the works
• 1.5-litre diesel motor with AMT expected

The Mahindra U-301 is being developed on a ladder-frame architecture unlike the monocoque S101/102 compact SUV. This vehicle is targeted at an audience that use rugged SUVs for off-roading trips and cross-country driving. The Mahindra U-301 is expected to get the next-gen ladder chassis which was first seen on the new Scorpio. This chassis uses hydroforming and is stiffer but at the same time lightweight in construction.

Although this SUV is popularly being touted as the 'New Bolero', this will be Mahindra’s answer to the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano.  As seen in the spy photos, the styling is more squarish and rugged-looking, like traditional Mahindra offerings. A four-wheel-drive variant is also in the works along with an AMT-equipped model.  Shared engines and underpinnings as well as the advantage of under-four-metre length makes a perfect case for a lower entry price and with all these ingredients in this new SUV, Mahindra will look to beat the Duster and the Terrano at their own game. 

Akbar Merchant