Mahindra S201 compact SUV production version: Maruti Brezza rival rendered

Mahindra’s next big launch for India is just a month or so away from launch. In early 2019, the automaker will launch the S201 code-named, sub-4 meter compact SUV. Rumours suggest that the new SUV could be called the Inferno although some other reports are leaning on the XUV300 badge. The official name reveal, which was scheduled to happen on the 1st of December, has been postponed. Meanwhile, here’s what the production version of the SUV could look like.

As the render reveals, the Inferno/XUV300 will have a typical Mahindra front grille. Considering that the SUV is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, the total restyling on the front end removes all traces of its South Korean parent. Also, the length of the SUV will duck under 4 meters, qualifying it for duty benefits. In comparison, the Tivoli measures about 4.2 meters in length.

At the rear too, the Tivoli connection will be totally erased, if one were to go by the render. The Mahindra XUV300/Inferno could use tail lamps similar to that on the Alturas – the recently launched flagship SUV of the brand. On the inside, a beige black dashboard will be on offer. The SUV will also get a touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the center console.

The biggest selling points of the new compact SUV could be the performance of its engines. 1.2 liter petrol and 1.5 liter diesel engines, both of them turbocharged, are expected to be on offer. The petrol motor is expected to put out nearly 140 Bhp of peak power, making it a segment topper, while the 1.5 liter diesel engine is also likely to be a class leader, with an output of about 120 Bhp.

6 speed manual gearboxes are expected to be standard on both engines. AMT options could follow in future. The Mahindra XUV300/Inferno will meet the upcoming Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program, which also means that it will get front airbags and ABS as standard. Other standard safety features will be ISOFIX provision for child seats, seat belt reminder and reverse parking sensors.

Higher variants will add a reverse parking camera into the equation. Mahindra SUVs are known to be loaded on the features front. The XUV300/Inferno is expected to be no different. From a sunroof to automatic headlamps and LED DRLs, we expect the SUV to be a feature-rich offering. It will be a monocoque, 5 seat offering. In terms of pricing, the SUV is expected to challenge the Maruti Brezza and Ford EcoSport. Expect a starting price of about Rs. 7 lakhs for the base petrol model.

The only sub-4 meter SUV that Mahindra offers currently in India is the TUV300. The SUV gets a body-on-ladder chassis and a rear wheel drive layout. It can accommodate 7 adults, and has big street presence. The Mahindra XUV300/Inferno, on the other hand, is expected to be a lot more urbane both in terms of styling as well as the way it rides. It’s also likely to be cheaper, lighter and more fuel efficient than the TUV300 thanks to monocoque construction and a front wheel drive layout.

Render courtesy IAB