Mahindra S201 compact SUV to challenge both Maruti Vitara Brezza & Hyundai Creta: Here’s how

The Mahindra S201 codenamed compact SUV will not only challenge the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza but also the Hyundai Creta. Wondering how? Mahindra will launch the S201 will two different versions. One version will be under 4 meters in length and will take on the Maruti Brezza and Ford EcoSport while the other will be about 4.2 meters long, competing with the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. Currently, Mahindra has 2 compact SUVs in the sub-4 meter segment – the TUV300 and NuvoSport – but both are heavy, ladder-frame models. The S201 range will be monocoque bodied.

The shorter version is expected to be launched in 2018. The longer version may take a few more months to be launched, and is likely to come in during 2019. It remains to be seen if Mahindra offers an additional row of seats on the longer version of the S201. If the automaker chooses to do so, the S201 will also rival the Honda BR-V, the only 7 seater compact SUV in that segment.

Engines for both versions are expected to be similar though. Both the petrol and diesel engines for the S201 range will be turbocharged, and have jointly been developed by Ssangyong and Mahindra. The petrol engine will displace 1.2 liters and have an output of about 140 Bhp, making it a class leader while the diesel will displace 1.5 liters with a 125 Bhp output. Manual and automatic gearboxes are expected to be on offer.

At least one version of the S201 compact SUV is expected to be showcased at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo, followed by a launch later this year. Mahindra has been extensively testing the S201 on Indian roads. The new compact SUVs from Mahindra are based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, a compact SUV that’s already on sale in South Korea and European markets. The launch of the S201 range is expected to give a big boost to Mahindra’s sales in the compact SUV segments.

Via FinancialExpress