Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India's largest auto makers, has expertise in the utility vehicle segment with models like XUV500, Quanto and Scorpio doing well consistently. In recent times, strong rumours have surface regarding the launch of a new compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). It is believed that this project has been safely guarded from media attention and this new model has been given a code name, S101. Mahindra & Mahindra, according to reports, is planning to launch this car in order to give competition to Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster.
Believed to be a sub-four metre vehicle based on the monocoque platform, this model is expected to enter showrooms by 2014. Due to the government's announcement of deregulation of diesel prices, a line-up of new models can be expected in future from Mahindra & Mahindra. It is believed that the Indian auto maker has given S101 bulged-up exteriors and also provided excellent head room. Some of the features that are likely to be included in this compact SUV are 15-inch alloy wheels, perched grille and a bumper with two air dams.
In recent times, there has been a rise in demand for compact SUVs, thereby propelling all car makers to launch new models. Mahindra & Mahindra, on the other hand, is already present in the segment through the Quanto, which has done quite well despite stiff competition. However, the success of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster has overshadowed all other models.
Sources close to this development claim that Mahindra & Mahindra is working hard to bring up the updated version of Quanto, in the form of S101. Due to this kind of hype, several analysts have tried to analyse changes that will distinguish this model from Quanto. Notably, the Indian firm is likely to make S101 more compact than Quanto and possibly, make it a five seater like EcoSport and Duster. Also, Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to to bring up this new S101 in both diesel and petrol variants. Going by rumours, the diesel variant will feature 1.5-litre engine with 3 cylinders.
On the other hand, the petrol version will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with turbocharger technology. Reportedly, Mahindra & Mahindra is also developing a trail of engines for its future cars. Auto experts, however, are in a doubt that whether the S101 will have new powertrain or it will share Quanto's 98 bhp diesel engine. The pricing strategy for this particular vehicle is going to be key for Mahindra & Mahindra in its aim to rival the likes of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Experts believe that the Indian auto maker will have to price this new model quite aggressively in order to attract buyers.
Known for its utility vehicle portfolio, Mahindra & Mahindra is being backed by experts to register excellent sales figures with the new model. Reports by analysts suggest that the Indian auto maker has managed to produce top class utility vehicles year after year. In fact, statistics in the recent past have shown how Mahindra Scorpio managed to outperform Renault Duster in terms of monthly sales, an impressive feat. Recently, it also launched W4 variant of the popular Mahindra XUV500, one of the most successful vehicles in its segment.
Given how, successful this brand has been in the utility-vehicle segment, it is quite possible that S101 could match up to its rivals. One advantage that Mahindra & Mahindra enjoys over other brands is that it has an excellent understanding of domestic consumer sentiment and market conditions, which could prove to be greatly beneficial. Although there is still a lot of time before this model is launched, the hype surrounding this model has already started.
