Mahindra U321 MPV (Toyota Innova Crysta rival) launch delayed in India

Mahindra has delayed the launch of the upmarket U321 code-named MPV, which was to be the Indian automaker’s much more affordable alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta. Mahindra is said to have pushed back launch of the U321, from mid 2018 to the end of 2018/early 2019. The reason for this delay has not been specified yet. The MPV was not showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo as well.

The U321 is a monocoque MPV that will be sold in 7 seat and 8 seat variants. It has been developed by Mahindra’s North American Technical Center, and the vehicle will be a global product. The MPV is expected be slotted in between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta in terms of pricing so as to appeal to a wide set of buyers. It’s also likely to feature both turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options.

The specifications of the turbocharged diesel engine on the U321 have already been leaked. The MPV will use a 1.6 liter turbocharged diesel engine with outputs of125 Bhp-305 Nm. A 6 speed manual gearbox will be standard, and Mahindra could also offer an automatic gearbox with this engine. The U321’s petrol engine is likely to be a turbocharged unit, with displacement either at 1.5 liter or at 2.0 liters.

The interiors of the vehicle have been revealed through spyshots, and are plush. Mahindra is feverishly testing the U321 MPV on Indian roads ahead of launch. Expect it to have high refinement levels, acres of space and a rich set of features. The U321 will be Mahindra’s 3rd monocoque vehicle, after the XUV500 luxury crossover and the KUV100 entry-level micro SUV.

Via IAB