Mahindra S101 snapped on test by an IAB reader - Spied

One of three new platforms to be launched by Mahindra this year.

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Aravind R, came across the Mahindra S101, while it was testing near the company's R&D center in Chennai. As reported earlier, the S101 is Mahindra's take on a small car with SUV-like driving position and styling, though its price and positioning will be in the whereabouts of a B-Segment hatchback like the Swift and i20.

The S101 will have its market launch this year, though a timeframe remains unknown. The car is based on an all-new monocoque platform - the second for the Indian UV specialist - and is expected to be powered by newly-developed engines.

While specific details of these new engines are under wraps, sources say they will be three-cylinder units. Paired to these engines will be manual and automated manual transmissions (AMT), the latter having established its popularity on Maruti and Tata products.

Spyshots have shown that the gearlever will be mounted on the dashboard column, and the front seats appear to be of the bench type, much like the Datsun Go.

Also read: Mahindra XUV500 with sunroof launched

Mahindra plans to make its presence felt in the compact car segment with the S101 and the U301 while the slow-selling Quanto will be given a push with a facelift, and an automated manual transmission.

Rivals: Ford EcoSport, Maruti XA Alpha, Tata Nexon, VW Taigun
Expected Price: INR 5-7 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Tentative Launch Date: 2015