Mahindra S201 Compact SUVs (Brezza & Creta rivals) and XUV500 Facelift in Cartoq’s Exclusive Renders

2018 will be a big year for Mahindra in terms of new car and SUV launches. Of particular interest to personal car buyers will be the S201 (Ssangyong Tivoli-based) compact SUV. The S201 will be available in two versions – a sub-4 meter offering that’ll rival the Maruti Vitara Brezza, and a 7 seat extended body model that’ll take on the Hyundai Creta. Here’s what the S201 compact SUV could look like.

As the render of the long wheelbase version indicates, the SUV is expected to lose Ssangyong badging to make way for the Mahindra badge and associated styling bits. The toothy grille up front is a typical Mahindra design element, seen on almost every SUV sold by the Indian utility vehicle giant.

The 5 seat version is likely to feature similar styling cues, but with a much shorter overall length. Think TUV300 and TUV300 Plus. That’s what the S201 SWB and LWB SUVs are likely to be in terms of styling and positioning. Both SUVs will feature newly developed, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

The 1.2 liter turbo petrol motor is expected to be common on both SUVs, with a class leading power output of 140 Bhp. This will make the S201 code-named SUVs the most powerful vehicles in their respective segments, an advantage Mahindra really needs considering its late-entrant status to the monocoque compact SUV space.

The diesel motor will be a 1.5 liter unit, again with a best-in-class output of 125 Bhp. Both manual and automatic transmission options are likely to be on offer. The SUVs are expected to offer twin airbags and ABS+EBD as standard fare. In terms of pricing, the sub-4 meter S201 SWB is expected to start from about Rs. 7 lakhs, while the 7 seat LWB version could sit at a little over Rs. 9 lakhs.

Mahindra is also working on a facelift for its flagship vehicle – the XUV500. The facelifted version will give the XUV500 another couple of years of life, before an all-new model comes in to replace it. In terms of design, the headlamps, front grille and bumper are likely to be refreshed.

Stylistic changes are likely to the rear as well. The alloy wheels could feature a new design. The interiors are more or less likely to be unchanged except for a feature addition or two. In terms of engines – the facelifted XUV500 is likely to pack in a 170 Bhp-400 Nm state of tune for the 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel motor.

The 2.2 liter turbo petrol motor with 140 Bhp-320 Nm will continue unchanged. Both engines will have 6 speed automatic gearbox options while the diesel engine will have a 6 speed manual as standard, and an all wheel drive layout as an option on the top-end automatic variant.