Mahindra & Mahindra, today, revealed its much-awaited compact SUV – theTUV300(code-name U301) – in India. To be positioned above the existing Bolero, the MahindraTUV300will rival the Ford EcoSport, Tata Sumo and others in thesegment. Expected to be launched in September, 2015, this compact SUV has been designed at the company's Mumbai-based design office with inputs from Pininfarina.
The Mahindra TUV300 will be powered with a mHawk80 engine that will be more efficient than the Bolero. Though, the company hasn’t yet announced the engine details and specifications of the vehicle. It is likely to get the Quanto’s 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine that puts out a maximum power of 100bhp and 240Nm of torque. According to reports, Mahindra might tune this engine for achieving higher fuel efficiency. TheTUV300is likelyone of the most fuel efficiency compact SUVs in the country. A 5-speed manual and an AMT (automated manual transmission) gearbox will be on offer. TheTUV300might feature a wheelbase more than 2,500mm, and will be available with options of 5-seat and 7-seat seating layouts.
The design of the MahindraTUV300will be inspired by a battle tank. Since the compact SUV will be based on the new ladder frame chassis, it will weigh lighter than the Bolero. Features on offer will be a 2-DIN music system with Bluetooth, AUX-in and USB connectivity, new steering wheel design, LCD display unit, a large central screen with touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, center console with polygonal cluster, air conditioning and red backlight and chrome bezels around the control switches and dials.
