The new crossover Mahindra S101 is to get a new name on December 18 according to a report. The upcoming compact SUV will be manufactured in the Chakan plant of the company and is expected to be christened as KUV100. The mini-SUV will be introduced in the Indian market, powered by 1.2-litre diesel and petrol engine options, both with new three-cylinders.
Mahindra will develop the petrol engines whereas the all-new diesel engine can be the watered down version of the mHawk 1.5-litre engine. The company has tested the S101 model extensively on the streets.
Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd’s Executive Director, Dr. Pawan Goenka along with its Chief Executive (Automotive) and President, Pravin Shah will grace the naming ceremony.
The Mahindra S101 will have an AMT developed by Magneti Marelli, which is different from the one used on the Mahindra TUV300. The leaked reports and the spy shots of the mini-SUV have already become viral. The car is to hit the market in early 2016.
The company is planning to launch a new crossover, with a higher ground clearance, to compete with affordable and smaller cars, like Maruti Wagon R, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Beat, and Maruti Celerio.
Another direct competitor to the new entrant will be Maruti’s latest model in the smaller car segment, Ignis.
Some of the features of the Mahindra KUV100 will be in-dash music system, Bluetooth connectivity, a large boot, steered mounted audio controls and daytime running LEDs. With a ground clearance exceeding 200 mm, the five-seater KUV100 will be built on an all-new monocoque platform, will have pillar-mounted rear door handles similar to Chevrolet Beat in the cabin, touchscreen infotainment system, Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and seats like the bench.
Estimated to be priced around INR 4 lakhs, Mahindra is to launch the S101 just before the Auto Expo in January 2016.
