Spied - IAB reader snaps the Mahindra S101 up close

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Sathish, spotted the Mahindra S101 compact SUV while it was testing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The S101 has been spied testing regularly in-and-around Chennai as Mahindra have their R&D facility located on the outskirts of the city.

Based on an all-new monocoque platform, the S101 is a sub-4 meter vehicle that would rival the likes of the Ford EcoSport. The test mule seen here is in a pre-production form as most of the body panels seem production ready, but a few elements like the taillights are substituted with basic bulbs.

Inside, the S101 is expected to sport a 3+3 seating arrangement. Similar to the Datsun Go, Mahindra would likely introduce a bench type seat at the front given that the gearlever is positioned on the center console itself.

Power for the S101 will come from a newly-developed 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine which is believed to have been jointly developed with Ssangyong Motor Company. The diesel engine could be the 1.5-liter three-cylinder mCR100 unit found in the Quanto.

The market launch of the S101 is expected sometime next year. Apart from this compact SUV, Mahindra are also working on a refresh for the Scorpio and the next generation Bolero.