A Mahindra S201 test mule in production guise was
spied by Autocar India. First spy shots of the
SsangYong Tivoli based Maruti Vitara Brezza rival with production parts like
lights, wheels and other elements surfaced over a month ago.
The Mahindra S201 is basically the SsangYong Tivoli
with a slightly different design, shortened length, and some more changes to
suit the Indian market better. The biggest difference between the two models is
that while the SsangYong Tivoli is 4.2 metres long, Mahindra’s offering has a
shortened length of not more than four metres. It has some design changes too,
particularly at the rear.
The SsangYong Tivoli has vertical tail lamps and its
license plate recess is on the lower bumper. The Mahindra S201 features
horizontal tail lamps and its license plate recess is on the tailgate. This
means that both models’ tailgate and rear bumper also look different. At the
front, a differently designed grille is expected. Inside, the Mahindra S201 has
a differently designed steering wheel.
Mahindra will offer the S201 with two engines, a
1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel unit.
The petrol engine will feature direct injection and deliver a maximum power of
around 140 hp.
Not measuring over four metres in length and having
engines smaller than 1.2L (petrol)/1.5L (diesel) will help the Mahindra S201
qualify as a small car and attract lower tax than the likes of the Hyundai
Creta. However, a longer version that offers seating for seven people and is
said to follow later. This version would slot between the 5-seat version and
the Mahindra XUV500.
The monocoque-bodied Mahindra S201 will compete with
the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Ford EcoSport. In Mahindra’s
line-up, it will slot above the Mahindra TUV300, which is built on a
ladder-frame chassis. It will go on sale late this year, probably in the fourth
quarter (October-December). Before the Mahindra S201, the Mahindra U321 will
reach showrooms.
