Spied - Mahindra S101 snapped again by an IAB reader

The Mahindra S101 has a thing for posing to cameras of our readers as it continues its extensive testing phase. Here are the latest set of spyshots of the compact crossover SUV taken by Indian Autos Blog reader Kamal Somani on the NH68 near Chennai.

Test prototypes of the Ford EcoSport rival have slowly started appearing with production body panels. This mule, though fully camouflaged, gives a small idea about its proportions and stance in real world conditions.

The S101 is a sub-4 metre SUV with dimensions in the ball park of its main rivals, the Maruti XA Alpha, VW Taigun and the Ford EcoSport. Recent spyshots suggest that the baby SUV from Mahindra would have a front fascia designed similar to the XUV500. Other noticeable design features are a flat roof and a tapering rear windshield.

On the inside, the S101 sports a dash mounted gear lever as shown in the earlier spyshots. The arrangement would free up space in front of the centre console and Mahindra can use it to offer a bench seat with 3+3 seating configuration.

To recap, the S101 would receive a 1.2-litre petrol engine that is developed in association with its South Korean subsidiary Ssangyong Motors. The all-important diesel option could be the 1.5-litre three cylinder mCR100 engine that powers the Quanto.

The Mahindra S101 would make its market debut in 2015 or 2016. Apart from the mini SUV, Mahindra is also working on a heap of UVs like the Scorpio facelift which is due in the next few months, next gen Mahindra Bolero an upmarket compact crossover codenamed S102 and a global MPV at its US technical center.