Published on Dec 9, 2015

Mahindra S101 (XUV100)
The latest spyshots reveal the plastic wheel arches, alloy wheels, roof rails, rear wiper and washer, rear spoiler and Chevrolet Beat-inspired door handles of the vehicle. The car also gets a black theme in the lower portion of the bumper and contrasting silver chrome at the rear. Inside the cabin, the Mahindra’s mini SUV features an infotainment system with a small display, centre console with integrated rectangular air-conditioner vents and piano back accent, and silver and piano black appliqués on the door panels. The mini SUV will come with 6-seats (3+3) layout, and offer enough space for the front bench seat passengers.

The Mahindra’s new mini SUV will be launched in the country in the third week of January 2016. Earlier it was rumored to launch by the end of this calendar year. Though, with an aim to meet the increasing demand of the Mahindra TUV300, the company has postponed the mini SUV’s launch to early next year.

The XUV 100 mini SUV will be Mahindra’s second product to be based on an all-new monocoque platform. The vehicle features a cab-forward design, and shares some design cues with the XUV 500. The front fascia of the car features a wide grille with vertical slats and projector headlamps. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels that are wrapped with 185/65 R15 tyres. The rear door handles seem to derive its design inspiration from the Chevrolet Beat. It also gets outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs), rear windscreen, license plate, mounted turn lights, plastic wheel arches, a roof rails, a rear wiper and washer, rear spoiler, black theme in the lower portion of the bumper and contrasting silver chrome at the rear end. With 3 + 3 seating configuration and front bench seats, the mini SUV will be capable to accommodate six adult passengers. Features on offer will be an infotainment system, a small touchsreen display, a multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and ESP (electronic stability program). With a long wheelbase, the mini SUV will offer a decent cabin space.

The Mahindra’s mini SUV will be offered with two engine options – an all-new 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. The latter one is borrowed from the TUV300 that produces a maximum power of 84bhp and 230Nm of torque. The 1.2-litre petrol mill has been developed jointly by Mahindra and Ssangyong. Both the powertrains will be coupled to a 5-speed manual and an AMT (automated manual transmission) transmission. The SUV will get the 2WD (two-wheel drive) system as standard feature.

As there is no clarity about the engine, it would be so earlier to comment on its mileage. But, if the compact SUV gets the new 1.2-litre engine, we expect it to return fuel efficiency over 20kmpl.

Mahindra might offer the XUV 100 compact SUV within the price bracket of Rs. 4 lakh (for the base variant) – Rs. 6.5 lakh (for the top-model). If launched in this price range, it will become the most affordable SUV in India.