Mahindra to launch 3 New, Sub-4 Meter Compact SUVs within 2 years

Mahindra & Mahindra has lined up not one, not two, but three new compact SUVs for the Indian car market over he next 18-24 months. Mahindra plans to target a diverse set of buyers with the three new compact SUVs. The automaker plans to become a Maruti Suzuki in terms of offering compact SUVs priced close to each other, in narrow 50,000-75,000 rupee price bands, consequently aiming to retain customers within the Mahindra fold than losing them out to other rival brands. 

Mahindra S101 Micro SUV

The S101 Micro SUV is a product that Mahindra is aiming straight at B-Segment hatchbacks. A sub-5 lakh rupee starting price is what the S101 is very likely to feature and this kind of pricing is expected to give hatchbacks a shudder considering the fact that Indian buyers love well-priced SUVs and if given a chance, many would opt for the higher ground clearance and street presence of an SUV over a lower slung hatchback. The S101 compact SUV will measure under 4 meters in length and come with petrol and diesel engine options. The S101 Micro SUV is expected to be launched in 2015.

Mahindra U215 Quanto Facelift

The Quanto compact SUV is a market dud and Mahindra is readying up a completely upgraded model to replace the former. The Mahindra U215 compact SUV is intended to be a major upgrade to the Quanto, and is expected to come with a completely new design. The U215 compact SUV is expected to use an automated manual transmission and continue with a turbo diesel engine as its mainstay. The ladder frame chassis and the rear wheel drive layout will also be retained. The U215 Quanto Facelift will slot in between the S101 and the U301 compact SUVs, in terms of price and positioning. The SUV is likely to arrive into India during late 2015 or early 2016.

Mahindra U301 Bolero Replacement

Mahindra’s U301 code-named compact SUV, which will be a Jeep Wrangler styled model that will sit above the Quanto Facelift, is due for a launch late next year. Extensive testing of the U301 is underway across various parts of India and the compact SUV will serve as a sub-4 meter lifestyle alternate to the Bolero MUV. While Mahindra will also make the new Bolero (U301) in different body styles, the first model will be a compact SUV aimed at buyers who are seeking a tough, ladder frame alternate to the Ford EcoSport crossover. The U301 Bolero replacement SUV will use a 1.5 liter turbo diesel engine. While a rear wheel drive layout is likely to be standard, Mahindra is also expected to offer a four wheel drive layout as an option.

Via TheEconomicTimes