Mahindra is rigorously testing the Mahindra U321 MPV ahead of its launch this year. IAB reader Gokulraj GK has shared spy shots of the Mahindra U321 that shows some of its key features.

The latest spy shots give a close look at the Mahindra U321’s rear-end and profile. The MPV is equipped with 16-inch five-double-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with 215/55 R16 apollo tyres, swooping rear combination lamps with bulb-type turn signals and a rear spoiler with high-mount stop lamp.

The Mahindra U321 is the first model developed at the MNATC R&D centre in Michigan, USA. It is also Mahindra’s first MPV to have a monocoque construction. The company has designed it traditionally to look like a proper MPV. On that matter, Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD, M&M, has said that “the focus is on movement of people and it is not an SUV vehicle.”

The Mahindra U321 will debut a new 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine co-developed with SsangYong. This engine will produce 125 hp and 305 Nm of torque. Mahindra has said that it will offer a petrol engine option in all its new models arriving from this year. The company is developing new 1.2-, 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrol engines in MPFI, GDI, turbo and non-turbo variants. The Mahindra U321 could use a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

The Mahindra U321’s production will likely slot between the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova as a proper Renault Lodgy rival. Its market launch will take place by next month.