Besides the TUV300, Mahindra and Mahindra has been busy testing another new model albeit under heavy disguise. Upon its launch in January next year, the S101 will become Mahindra's smallest offering and will compete against hatchbacks like the Hyundai Eon, Maruti Wagon R and Renault Kwid.
Although expected to compete with entry level hatchbacks, the upcoming Mahindra S101 is in fact a sub-4 metre, micro-SUV that has been built on a monocoque chassis platform. Production worthy test-mules of the S101 have been spotted around the country with minimal camouflage, thereby revealing a little bit more on what the final version will look like. The tall standing car's front facade features a slim front grille and a heavily stylized fog-lamp enclosure whereas the sides will feature muscular haunches which are characteristic of most Mahindra offerings. Additionally, the rear doors will get vertically mounted door handles like those seen on the Chevrolet Beat hatchback. The boxy rear end is quite ordinary to look at and features rectangular, horizontally mounted tail-lamp clusters, rear fog-lamps fixed in the bumper, a roof-lip mounted spoiler, and a rear windscreen wiper.
Based on the multiple spy shots being circulated around the internet, the interiors are likely to receive a piano black dashboard with chrome accents. Safety equipment should include airbags, ABS, EBD and ESP.
Engine options for the S101 are likely to include a newly mapped 1.2-litre petrol unit and a reworked version of Mahindra's mHawk Series-80 diesel mill that is currently on use in the Mahindra Quanto and Mahindra TUV300. The car may also be offered with a 5-speed AMT gearbox in addition to a manual transmission box. Reports suggest that Mahindra will name its new micro-SUV the XUV100 and that S101 is just a codename. Upon its launch, Mahindra will aim to lure in customers looking to buy small city cars by offering them something in the same price bracket that will boast of superior cabin space, taller ride height and SUV-esque looks. With prices expected to start at around the Rs 4 lakh mark, the S101 will be sit below the Quanto in Mahindra's range.
Mahindra S101 Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre mHawk Series 80 diesel
Mahindra S101 Competition: Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid
Mahindra S101 Pricing: Rs 4 lakh - Rs 6 lakh
