According to Autocar India, the Mahindra TUV300 Plus
(name unconfirmed) will replace the nearly 9-year old Mahindra Xylo when it
arrives later this year. Mahindra expects to lure customers from the compact
MPV segment with the TUV’s tough SUV styling, 7-seating capability and high
interior space.
Reader Subin Philip has snapped a test mule in
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, as the car completes its pan-India testing program.
Although it is completely wrapped, the TUV300 Plus’ styling will be identical
to the TUV300 barring the extended length. For reference, the TUV300 measures
3,995 mm in length, 1,835 mm in width and 1,839 mm in height. Its wheelbase
stands at 2,680 mm.
As the overall length is over 4m and to account for
the third-row seats, Mahindra can equip an engine bigger than the 100 bhp 1.5L
mHawk 3-cyl turbodiesel. Reports suggest that it will pack the Scorpio’s 120
bhp 1.99-litre mHawk four-cylinder diesel engine. Transmission to be offered is
likely to be a 5-speed manual gearbox only. Like the TUV300, there’s not going
to be a 4WD option.
Although there may not have been any all-new
launches since the beginning of 2017, Mahindra is gearing up for a product
offensive. The Indian UV manufacturer is readying up the U321 MPV, which will rival
the Toyota Innova Crysta, for launch by December 2017.