Mahindra has already proved its metal in full-size SUV segment with Scorpio and XUV 500. However, the company is still struggling to carve a niche in the compact SUV segment. Mahindra had high hopes from Quanto, but the SUV could not live up to its expectations. According to recent reports, Mahindra is working on two compact SUVs and a compact MPV. The company is developing these vehicles in alliance with SsangYong. Codenamed S101 and S102, these SUVs will take on current popular vehicles in its segment, the former would compete against EcoSport and XA Alpha and latter will be juxtaposed to Duster and Terrano. These SUVs will come with a capacity to seat five adults comfortably.
Speculations suggest that S101 will be conceived on a new monocoque, a slightly tuned version will also be used for S102. S101 will be positioned in sub-four meter segment while the more premium S102 will possess length more than 4 meters.
Mahindra could use a 1.5 litre three cylinder engine that powers Quanto for the upcoming SUVs or can tweak the engine a tad to suit the requirement. Details regarding the compact MPV under development are yet unknown. The company is also developing a new turbocharged direct injection, 1.0 litre petrol motor which could be used in the upcoming SUVs. Mahindra aims at delivering enhanced power and improved fuel economy with this new engine.
The company recently outnumbered contemporary SUVs, Duster and EcoSport by selling over 50,900 units of Scorpio SUV in fiscal year 2013-2014. Besides this, Bolero and Scorpio’s March sales were impressive. Scorpio is an old player in SUV segment yet it is able to give new products a run for their money. To keep abreast with the competition, the company is developing a facelift version of Scorpio which is expected to undergo major cosmetic changes. Rumours of an automatic version of Scorpio are also doing the rounds.
