Mahindra will add an all-new, small SUV to its line-up in 2018, codenamed S201. It will be a direct rival to the Hyundai Creta. The SUV will be based on SsangYong’s Tivoli which was first showcased in India at the 2016 Auto Expo and has been seen testing extensively across the country.
Based on the Tivoli’s X100 platform, the S201 will be a five-seat, compact SUV and feature different styling both outside and inside in line with Mahindra’s DNA. Test mule sightings also suggest that it will get a raised ride height and higher profile tyres to give it more of an SUV stance and help tackle Indian road conditions better. Also based on the Tivoli, the S201 is expected to pack in a lot of kit with features like dual-zone air-conditioning, seven airbags, ESP, smart key system and leather interiors.
The S201 will feature Mahindra’s new generation of powertrains developed in conjunction with its Korean subsidiary, with capacities ranging from 1.2 - 1.6 litres and are capable of meeting Euro VI emission norms. While internationally the SsangYong Tivoli gets 1.6-litre diesel and petrol engines, the S201 could be expected to feature a smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine in lieu of the recently announced GST structure.
An electric version of the Tivoli is also in the works, but whether Mahindra will launch an electric variant of the S201 in India remains to be seen.
This will be the first vehicle to be launched with collaborative efforts from Mahindra and SsangYong. Mahindra bought SsangYong in 2011 but has so far only marketed the Rexton SUV in India.
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