Spyshots uploaded by Thrustzone establish that the
Mahindra U321 is steadily heading towards completion.
The new spy shots cannot expose the Mahindra U321’s
exterior, but reveal the vehicle’s radiator grille with vertical slats, a
little of the lower (front) bumper and rear fog lamps/reflectors, not to
mention the previously exposed headlamps and tail lamps. Work in development
prototypes were first spotted last year but it was only in February 2017 that
Mahindra confirmed some project details along with an INR 1,500 crore
investment.
The Mahindra U321 was designed by and large by
talent at the Mahindra North American Technology Center (MNATC) in Troy,
Michigan. The company is yet to confirm if the MPV is based on the Mahindra
XUV500’s platform or sits on a completely new one, but what is known through
media reports is that the vehicle will have a monocoque construction. A
Mahindra-SsangYong co-developed 1.6-litre diesel engine will power the Toyota
Innova Crysta rival, and a petrol option is also likely, given that the company
is interested in exploring world markets.
Mahindra has confirmed that the Mahindra U321’s launch will happen by
February 2018. While nothing else is certain, M&M could showcase the
product at Auto Expo 2018 that opens on 9 February. Production of the Mahindra
Xylo’s successor will also be tasked to the Nashik plant.