4 new Mahindra cars for India slated for launch in 2018

Mahindra will soon launch four new cars in India to boost its market share. The four cars will sit in different segments, and will address different kinds of buyers. Here are the key details.

TUV300 Plus

Already introduced in some markets on a trial basis, the TUV300 Plus is an extended body version of the TUV300 sub-4 meter compact SUV. The longer body of the TUV300 Plus has allowed Mahindra to offer three front-facing rows of seats. The MUV could eventually replace the Xylo. The vehicle will be sold in 7, 8 and 9 seat variants.

It will be powered by a 2.2 litre-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 120 Bhp of peak power and 280 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard, and so will be a rear wheel drive layout. The nationwide launch of the TUV300 Plus will happen soon.

U321 code-named MPV

Mahindra has developed a brand new MPV, it’s first monocoque vehicle in the people mover space. The U321 code-named MPV will be a global product and has been designed by Mahindra’s North American Technical Center. The MPV will get a newly developed 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine. A petrol engine could also be offered.

The MPV is expected to sit between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta in terms of price and positioning. It’s likely to be offered in 7-seat and 8-seat variants. A front wheel drive layout will be standard. Manual and automatic gearbox options are also likely.

S201 code-named sub-4 meter compact SUV

The Ssangyong Tivoli compact SUV has been redesigned for the Indian market. Code-named the S201, this SUV will be a sub-4 meter offering, going up against the Ford EcoSport, the Tata Nexon and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. It’ll get turbocharged, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines.

Both engines will have class leading outputs of 140 Bhp (petrol) and 125 Bhp (diesel) respectively. A monocoque body and a front wheel drive layout will be standard. The S201 will be first introduced as a 5 seat model. A longer, 7 seat version will follow next year.

KUV100 AMT

Later this year, Mahindra will offer AMT options on the petrol and diesel variants of the KUV100 micro SUV. Testing is in progress. In terms of pricing, the KUV100 AMT is likely to be less than Rs. 50,000 pricier than the equivalent, manual gearbox-equipped variants.