Mahindra has introduced the TUV300 Plus on an introductory basis in Trichy, Tamilnadu. An ARAI homologation document accessed by IAB reveals key details of the MUV. It is now confirmed that the TUV300 Plus will feature a 2.2 liter mHawk turbocharged diesel engine with 120 Bhp and 280 Nm. This engine will be paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox and will drive the rear wheels of the vehicle. There are no details of an automatic variants, with neither a torque converter automatic not an AMT. The TUV300 Plus’ P4 version is priced at Rs. 9.46 lakhs, ex-showroom Trichy.
The MUV will have a maximum of 9 seats, in three rows. The 9 seat variant of the TUV300 Plus is expected to be a cab operator model. Personal vehicle buyers will be able to choose from 7 and 8 seat models. The TUV300 Plus is based on the sub-4 meter TUV300 compact SUV but with a longer body that now measures 4.4 meters in length.
However, the wheelbase of the vehicle will remain similar to that of the TUV300 compact SUV at 2.68 meters. The TUV300 Plus MUV is also 20 mm narrower (1.81 meters) and 2 mm (1.83 meters) shorter than the TUV300 SUV. It is a full 205 kilos heavier though.
Many car sites have been reporting that the TUV300 Plus will replace the Mahindra Xylo, but our sources tell us that this will not be the case. The Xylo will sell alongside the TUV300. The TUV300 Plus will be based on a ladder frame chassis that it shares with the TUV300.
On the TUV300 Plus, this chassis has been lengthened to accommodate an extra row of seats. The styling of the TUV300 Plus looks ungainly, and this vehicle is expected to be more popular with cab operators – who don’t care much about looks – rather than design conscious personal car buyers. The official launch of this SUV will happen in early 2018, with an Auto Expo showcase to follow.