Mahindra failed to gain momentum in the compact-SUV segment with the Quanto and here, the S101 comes into play. To be launched in 2015, the S101 has bee spotted testing multiple times. This time however, interiors have been snapped.
On the inside, the new compact SUV will sport a colour combination of black and grey, much like the recently launched Scorpio. Even the instrument cluster panel seems somewhat similar to what we have seen in the Scorpio. There is also a small MID screen inside the instrument cluster. Steering wheel gets audio controls mounted on it, but the wheel looks rather plasticy. Gear console seems to be mounted on the dashboard, below the centre console. Also seen in the picture are vertically stacked, round AC controls. A conventionally mounted keyhole on the steering column suggests that there will be no start / stop button. Also seen in the picture are beige coloured seats.
The S101 could powered by 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol and diesel motors mated to a manual transmission. Mahindra is said to be working with Ssangyong to develop these new range of engines.
The compact-SUV will be sub-4 metres in length and hence, will benefit from lower excise duty. It will fight against the Ford EcoSport, Fiat Avventura, Hyundai ix25 and Maruti Suzuki XA Aplha.
Exteriors are still heavily camouflaged and hence, very little can be said.
Expect Mahindra to price the S101 very competitively.
Source – Motorbeam