Maruti Brezza-Rival Mahindra XUV300 SUV Interiors Revealed

The Mahindra XUV300 is likely to be called the Inferno, and this sub-4 meter compact SUV will challenge the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon. Code-named the S201, the new Mahindra compact SUV’s official name will be announced in a few days from now. Here are new spyshots that completely reveal the dashboard and front seats of the upcoming SUV.

As the spyshots indicate, the Mahindra XUV300/Inferno will get a multi-function steering wheel, beige-black dashboard and a touchscreen infotainment console. Plenty of storage places, automatic climate control and a USB port are other details that are revealed through the spyshot. Leather seats could also be offered on the top-end trim, adding a bit of luxury.

As for engines, the new Mahindra compact SUV is expected to be offered with petrol and diesel motors, both of them turbocharged. The Mahindra S201/XUV300/Inferno is likely to be a class leader in terms of performance. The 1.2 liter turbocharged petrol is expected to make about 140 Bhp of peak power. As for the 1.5 liter turbocharged diesel, a peak power output of about 120 Bhp is likely.

Both engines are expected to be offered with 6 speed manual gearboxes driving the front wheels. Mahindra could also offer a 6 speed automated manual transmission as an option on both engines. It remains to be seen if the AMT option is made available right from launch though. Talking of the launch, it’ll happen in January 2019. The official reveal of the SUV could happen in December 2018 itself.

The Mahindra S201/XUV300/Inferno will be the automaker’s first monocoque, front wheel driven sub-4 meter offering in the Maruti Brezza segment. While Mahindra already has the TUV300 on sale in India, the Inferno is expected to be a much more refined, urbane product aimed at people wanting higher refinement, luxury and performance. As for pricing, the new SUV is expected to undercut the TUV300 quite significantly.

This is because of the fact that the Mahindra S201/XUV300/Inferno will use a front wheel drive layout instead of the more expensive rear wheel drive layout of the TUV300. Also, it’ll have a lighter monocoque body. These two key changes are likely to give Mahindra cost benefits, which are expected to be passed on to the customer in the form of a lower entry price. Expect prices to start from about Rs. 7 lakhs for the base petrol model.

Mahindra is yet to taste big success in the compact SUV market and a lot is riding on the Inferno. This SUV is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, but has received a major restyling. Also, it’s length has been shortened to under 4 meters for excise duty benefits. A longer, 7 seat version is under development, and is expected to be launched sometime in 2020.

Right from the outset, the new compact SUV from Mahindra is likely to comply with Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) norms. What this means is, twin airbags, ABS+EBD, reverse parking sensors, speed alerts, seatbelt reminder and ISOFIX child seat mounting points will be standard across all variants. More details are likely to surface in the coming days as the launch gets closer.

Spyshots courtesy GaadiWaadi