Mahindra S101 - IAB Rendering

The S101 is expected to launch this financial year.

The year is yet to begin for Indian UV major Mahindra, which has announced that it will launch two compact SUVs this financial year. The models in question are codenamed S101 and U301, and our in-house artist, Shoeb, has rendered the front fascia of the former, based on spyshots.

The S101 will be more of a grown up hatchback, than a compact SUV like the Ford EcoSport for example. However, it will inherit SUV traits like a high ground clearance and high seating position, sources tell Indian Autos Blog.

The S101 will be an important product for Mahindra as it is based on an all-new monocoque platform, the second monocoque product for the brand, the first being the XUV500. Not only will the platform be all-new, but engines powering the S101 are also expected to come from a new engine family. An all-new 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol, and a new diesel engine will offer high fuel efficiency and the convenience of the automated manual transmission (AMT).

An interior spyshot has shown the S101 to get a vertically stacked center console with rotary knobs for the HVAC, arranged one below the other. The design of the center console has also led to speculation that the S101 will get joined front seats, much like the Datsun Go.

Also read: IAB reader snaps the Mahindra Verito EV ahead of launch

However, unlike Datsun, Mahindra, going by the features in the current product range, is expected to offer safety features ABS and dual front airbags, at least on the top-end variant of the S101.