IAB Exclusive - Mahindra's new 110cc Activa-challenger takes shape for Auto Expo debut

An Indian Autos Blog reader has snapped these images of Mahindra 2 Wheeler's upcoming 110 cc scooter. Spotted near Pune, Maharashtra, the new scooter is codenamed G301. While previous spyshots have shown the scooter testing with mismatched body parts, for the first time we see the actual design of the scooter which is expected to enter production soon.

Mahindra 2 Wheeler's current scooter lineup consists of the Rodeo RZ, Duro DZ, Flyte and Kine. While the first three of those scooters are powered by a 125 cc engine, the Kine gets its power from a 72 cc engine. As a result, the scooter that you see in these pictures will announce the company's entry into the highly competitive 110 cc segment.

Honda dominates this segment with four products - the hugely popular Activa, the Activa i, the Dio and the Aviator. TVS, on the other hand, wants to ensure themselves a sizable portion of the segment, and in September this year, the company launched the Jupiter. The Jupiter and Wego make up TVS's 110 cc offerings.

The Mahindra 110 cc scooter is expected to borrow its engine from the Pantero/Centuro. The engine in question is a 106.7 cc unit producing 8.5 PS at 7,500 rpm and 8.5 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

Our source confirms that the scooter seen here is "nearly production ready", and that a debut at the upcoming Auto Expo in February cannot be ruled out.