The Mahindra S101 will be christened tomorrow and is likely to get the KUV100 moniker. This is the Indian utility maker’s first compact crossover that will be competing with the Maruti Ignis (which is also due to be launched sometime in 2016). The Mahindra KUV100 will be a five-seater crossover and will be targeting first-time car buyers. The KUV100 will be smaller than the TUV300 and will have a car-like monocoque body.
Mahindra will use new-generation 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines for the new S101 with the former producing around 80bhp and the diesel is expected to churn out 70bhp of max power. Five-speed manual transmission will be standard on both versions and an AMT ‘box will also be on offer. Mahindra isn’t using its in-house designed AMT with inputs from Ricardo UK for the KUV100; instead it will be using the lighter Magneti Marelli unit.The Mahindra S101 will be manufactured at Mahindra’s Chakan facility along with the two new engines and it will also export this compact crossover in time.
The new KUV100/S101 will be feature rich. It is expected to get an integrated music system with Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, dual airbags and even ABS. The S101 will even have daytime running headlamps. The S101 will create a new segment and it will be priced at around Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
The S101 will be launched in the first week of January and it will be the smallest and most affordable Mahindra in the offering. This is the first time Mahindra has built a three-cylinder petrol engine. This launch is part of Mahindra’s nine new car launch plan for FY16. This includes three new products, three facelifts and three new variants. The S101 is all-new product that has been built from scratch and is the last all-new product for this financial year. The other new launches where the Jeeto (commercial pick-up) and the TUV300 (compact SUV).
