The sub-4 metre SUV segment is what every automaker in the country is planning to explore. Despite being a sluggish market, the compact SUVs register a positive growth. Seeing the growing demand for sub-compact SUVs; India’s largest utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra is also planning to foray in the segment. Speaking to The Hindu, Dr. Pawan Goenka, president and executive director, AFS, M&M said that the company will launch two new compact SUVs in 2015.
We reported earlier that Mahindra is planning to launch a series of new utility vehicles including S101 compact SUV, new generation Bolero and Scorpio and an all-new MPV to replace Xylo. We believe, the company will introduce the S101 compact SUV and new Bolero next year.
Mahindra’s compact SUV, codenamed S101’ has been spotted several times during its test rounds in different body frame. This sub-4 metre SUV shares its styling cues with the XUV500 and is likely to go on sale by the mid-2015. The company has smartly positioned the gearlever on the centre console instead of the floor which translates into a spacious first row and offers a proper space to add bench type front passenger seat. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-pot petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Mahindra is also testing the new generation Bolero SUV. Codenamed U301, the new model will be based on the hydro-formed ladder frame chassis. This model will be offered in various body lengths including a sub-4 metre version. The smaller sized Bolero is likely to share its engine configuration with the Quanto- a1.5-litre, 3-cylinder diesel motor.
The company will also launch the Scorpio facelift by festive season this year, and the all-new Scorpio in 2016. The updated Scorpio is likely to get changes to both interiors and exteriors. It will share its interior components with the bigger SUV- XUV500.
Source: The Hindu
