U301 & S101 – What We Know So Far:
Anticipating an overall double-digit growth in the UV segment in India, the top UV maker Mahindra is reportedly working on its upcoming SUVs code-named the ‘U-301’ & ‘S101’. Although, nothing has been confirmed as yet; the U301 will be launched in Indian market during the festive season in 2015 & while, the S101 will reach the market by early 2016. Mahindra also has ambitious plans of launching nine new products during FY 2015-16. The move is aimed to get back the market share & strengthen the position in SUV segment, which Mahindra lost to its competition in the recent times.
The ‘U301’ will sit below the Scorpio & the ‘S101’ is Mahindra’s first sub-4 meter SUV. Both the cars are being developed from the scratch and are likely to feature new design concept and advanced options. Mahindra is looking at the owners of hatchbacks, sedans and also the existing compact SUVs; to be the potential customers for these twin SUVs.
U301 & S101 Engines:
The U301 will be powered by a smaller 1.5-litre three-cylinder twin-stage turbo diesel engine of Quanto, which delivers 100 bhp of max. power and 240 Nm of torque. U301 will get a 5-speed manual and an automated manual transmission (AMT). U301 is based on ladder-frame chassis. The U-301 will be positioned below the Scorpio.
While the S101 could get either a smaller 1.2L diesel mill (unconfirmed) or 1.5-litre diesel engine from Quanto. The 1.2L diesel-engine is expected to produce upto 80bhp, whereas the power output of 1.5L diesel engine is expected to be upto 100bhp. The S101 features a lightweight ‘monocoque’ platform. The S101 will be a sub-4 meter compact SUV, which is likely to compete with Ford Ecosport, Maruti XA Alpha & upcoming Tata Nexon, VW Taigun. The company is looking to get back its dominating position & market-share in the SUV segment; which has slipped to about 37%.
Mahindra Twin SUVs Price:
The U301 & S101 are expected to be launched sometime in the late 2015 or early 2016. Although Mahindra has not disclosed their full prices, features & official nameplates yet, the price of U301 is speculated to be between Rs. 6.0 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh, whereas the S101 is expected to be priced between Rs. 7 lakh to 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
S102:
Mahindra is also reportedly planning to bring another sub-4 meter SUV codenamed S102. As per company’s announcement, the S102 will be fitted with 1.2 litre 3-cylinder 12-valve system petrol engine. The S102 crossover will be based on the Ssangyong’s X100 platform. Being a sub-4 meter car, it will help Mahindra to also price the S102 under Rs. 10 lakh.
