Mahindra to launch World SUV W201 in India this Diwali

Mahindra will launch its ‘World SUV’ or the W201 (as it is internally known) by Diwali 2011 in India. Photos of the test mules of the vehicle can be seen all over the Internet. Sources say the company will price the W201 above Rs. 15 lakh.

Mahindra is calling the car World SUV as it plans to sell the vehicle in American and European markets. This indicates the high-profile nature of the vehicle considering it would have to meet the strict emission and safety norms of these markets.

What will the W201 look like?

Mahindra has been working on its World SUV for a while now. The test mules of the car have been spotted near Chennai. One magazine even published a rendered image of how the World SUV could look like.

Based on the spy photos of test mules and the rendered image, we can say that the new Mahindra vehicle will be the biggest in its stable, bigger than even the Scorpio and Xylo. The W201 could feature larger wheels (17 or 18 inch), big fenders, longer wheelbase and wider tires. Mahindra’s trademark seven-slat grille could also find its way on the W201.

W201 engine and features

The W201 will be the first vehicle from Mahindra to be built on a monocoque chassis, and a transverse engine. Mahindra could use the 2.2-litre mHawk CRDI engine; rename it as mVulture for the variant that produces 145+ bhp, mated to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox.

For the export market, we can expect Mahindra to plonk in a powerful V6 engine to match its foreign rivals. The W201 automatic version could also be offered in the international markets.

Mahindra will equip the W201 with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), traction control and 2 airbags (standard).

W201 vs competition

In India, the W201 could compete with the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva, Skoda Yeti and Ford Endeavour, depending on the price range in which it is offered. Currently the entry-level, premium SUVs sold in India range from Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh.

Apart from rolling out the W201 this year, Mahindra is also rumored to launch a face-lifted Xylo besides a Mini Xylo (codenamed U203). The Mini Xylo as the name suggests will just be an existing Xylo with the rear shortened to tuck it within 4 meters.

Other possible launches include the Mahindra Bolero with a Low Cost Common Rail (LCCR) engine, the Scorpio lightweight (which would weigh nearly 150 kg less), besides a compact Logan. In 2012, the company plans to launch the S101 – a mini-SUV priced around Rs. 3-4 lakh, and the S102, which would be a more powerful version of the S101 apart from the Ssangyong Korando.

Photo Courtesy: AutoBild