Mahindra S101 prototypes spotted testing

Two test mules of the Mahindra S101 have been spotted testing again. Snapped in Chennai, the cars were heavily camouflaged and seemed to be inthe early development stage. The S101 will be based on Ssangyong's XLV (eXciting Lifestyle Vehicle) which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, last month. Jointly developed by Mahindra and Ssangyong, the S101 will be a sub-four metre compact SUV, slotting in between Scorpio and Quanto (which might just be phased out) and will be pitted against the Ford Ecosport.

 

The spy pictures show the prototypes being tested alongside a Ford Figo as a benchmark vehicle. Due to the heavy masking not much can be made out.The car seemed to be incomplete, the headlamps and tail lamps look out of place and the cars even lacked a rear bumper. While the S101 does carry a XUV500-like profile at the front, it will be a much smaller car, qualifying it for the government’s concessions for small cars. 

With the launch of the car in 2015, Mahindra has abundant time to fine tune the S101 according to Indian requirements. The car is expected to house the 1.5-litre diesel unit found in the Quanto and a new petrol unit. Mahindra and Ssangyong have also collaborated on a new family of small petrol engines, one of which will find its way into the S101.Having failed to make a mark with the Quanto, Mahindra seems to be going all out with the S101. Expect the car to give a tough competition to the likes Ford Ecosport as well as the bigger Renault Duster.