Mahindra U301 compact SUV to be called TUV300

Mahindra has officially revealed the first details of its upcoming compact SUV, so far known by its codename – U301. The SUV will be badged TUV300 (pronounced three, double-O), and will be launched mid-September this year.

Built on an all-new platform, the TUV300 will measure less than four metres in length. Sketches of the TUV300 point to an SUV with an upright stance, minimal front and rear overhangs and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The whole concept behind the design was to impart an image of ‘toughness’ and for this purpose, Mahindra designers are said to have taken inspiration from battle tanks – something that can be seen in the TUV’s rather angular form. Interestingly, Italian design house Pininfarina (Mahindra’s bid to take it over fell through recently) was also involved in the design and styling process. There is a hint of the Bolero at the front but Mahindra executives clarified that the TUV is not a replacement for the Bolero. Rather, the TUV300 will be an addition to Mahindra’s line-up of SUVs and will be pitched as a compact SUV for city based customers.

Mahindra didn’t provide details on the cabin but going by the spy pics we have with us, the TUV300 will be well equipped with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system likely on top-spec cars. What’s also uncertain at the moment is if Mahindra will offer the TUV300 with the option of seven seats. The Quanto has been available with two jump seats aft of the rear bench and it’ll be interesting to see if Mahindra uses a similar setup here as well.

As for the mechanicals, Mahindra also announced that the TUV300 will use a new engine. The unit will be based on Mahindra’s mHawk motor and has been christened mHawk80. Expect the engine to displace just under 1500cc to help the TUV300 qualify as a small car and correspondingly, a lower rate of excise duty. Mahindra will launch the TUV300 in two-wheel drive form but company insiders said a four-wheel drive version is theoretically possible on the new platform.

Mahindra will reveal full details of the TUV300 closer to the model’s launch in September.