Mahindra’s upcoming TUV300 XL or, as it is referred
to by online media, Mahindra TUV500, has been spotted testing once again by a
Motoroids reader in Chennai.
The 7-seater uses the same boxy design as the
TUV300, which has the battle tank as inspiration. The TUV500 is
identical to the TUV300 until the C-Pillar, and the wheelbase appears to be the
same 2680 mm as the TUV300. The images also reveal the headlamp design, front
grille and fog lamp enclosure that are identical to the TUV300. Rear angle
reveals a slightly more raked windshield as compared to the donor car. The
extended portion will enable Mahindra to ditch the TUV300’s jump seats for a
front facing third row.
Inside, the dashboard features hexagon-shaped
centre bezel, piano-black centre fascia, an infotainment system comprising
2-DIN audio, Bluetooth, USB and AUX, steering-mounted audio and phone controls
along with a twin pod instrument cluster,
Mahindra will offer the utility vehicle with the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel with
120 hp on tap. This engine powers the Scorpio and XUV500, both of which are due
for a facelift this year and will ascend to a higher output tune. It will come
mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Mahindra recently discontinued
automatic variants of the Scorpio, and the SUV is reportedly receiving the new
6-speed Aisin AT. Whether the TUV300 XL gets the Aisin unit or the AMT remains
to be seen.
Prices of the Mahindra TUV500 could range from INR 9
lakh to INR 11 lakh (ex-showroom), and the vehicle is viewed as a replacement
for the Mahindra Xylo, positioned just below the upcoming U321 MPV.