Mahindra & Mahindra, a brand known for manufacturing performance oriented utility vehicles, is reportedly planning to infuse new blood in the competitive compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. In the recent past, strong rumours have indicated that the Indian home-grown major is turning all its attention towards the compact SUV segment with the new model, codenamed as S101. The new move made by Mahindra & Mahindra comes on the back of low faring of Quanto as compared to the segment movers like Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Reportedly, the car is currently in the testing phase and might arrive in India by 2014.
In terms of engine configurations, the general word is that Mahindra & Mahindra might be introducing petrol engine in S101. As already confirmed by the company that it is working on developing petrol engines with its South Korean partner SsangYong, the same could power the upcoming compact SUV. Experts are saying that it was sooner or later that Mahindra & Mahindra had to realise the potential of petrol engines in the entry level segments. Reports have indicated that Mahindra is actively working on low-specification engines that would power the upcoming cars which might include S101 as well. In all, the auto maker would be offering S101 in both petrol and diesel engine options.
Affirming the same, Pawan Goenka, Executive Director at Mahindra & Mahindra was recently quoted as saying, “We are currently working on two engines, a three and a four cylinder, coming out of the same platform. These would be mainstream engines for our petrol driven UV range and would power vehicles much smaller than what we have today. Our earlier petrol engines had some compromises because they were based on a diesel engine but our new petrol engines will be an independent, grounds up development and therefore it will be as good as any other petrol engine in the market at that time.”
Mahindra S101 is believed to be a sub-four metre vehicle, based on a monocoque frame. Furthermore, the S101 might be getting heavy body cladding and might offer a good head room. Talking about the expected features that might make way in the upcoming SUV are 15-inch alloy wheels, perched grille and a bumper with two air dams. Also to mention, reports have indicated that S101 would be compact in dimensions as compared to Quanto as Mahindra would make it a five seater car, like its rivals.
In terms of price, S101 could be placed aggressively for the Indian car market considering the king of competition that already exists in the respective segment. In order to lure buyers, the car maker would be aiming to price its vehicle between Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster.
Meanwhile, the sales of Xylo and Quanto have stood quite low this year. The company would be aiming to revive the demand for these models through its upcoming compact SUV. During the April-October 2013 period, the sales of Xylo accounted for 9302 units as compared to 15472 units it sold during the same period last year, marking a fall of almost 40 per cent. According to experts, Mahindra S101 would benefit from the brand value that the company shares in India. Over the years, Mahindra & Mahindra has gained an excellent level of understanding among the domestic buyers and has well understood the market conditions. So it is expected that the car might do well as soon as it arrives in India.
