- Codenamed S201, the compact SUV gets a monocoque chassis
- Likely to compete with Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster
- Based on the Ssangyong Tivoli
A test-mule of a new Mahindra SUV has been spotted testing in Chennai. The heavily camouflaged mule is a compact SUV, codenamed the S201. Based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, the S201 will compete in the premium compact SUV segment that is dominated by the Hyundai Creta.
The S201 will be the first monocoque SUV from Mahindra and might be named the XUV300 as it will sit below their flagship SUV, the Mahindra 500, which also has a monocque construction. It gets the typical vertically slatted grille, signature of all Mahindra cars. But this might change on the production car especially when the new XUV has been given a revised fascia.
The S201 gets its proportions right with a squared stance and a sloping D-pillar. The test-mule also shows a rear wiper and a roof-spoiler - must-haves on modern premium compact SUVs. Mahindra has already promised us three new cars for 2018, one of which is the new Mahindra-badged G4 Rexton. With the new XUV launching this week, the final slot remains open but with two contenders – the u321 MPV that has been undergoing testing for a long time and this, the S201.
