Spied - Mahindra S101 mini SUV spotted with a Quanto

The Mahindra S101 (codename) compact SUV was spotted on test recently, and these images which also show a Mahindra Quanto in the frame, ballpark the overall size of the S101.

Based on an all-new monocoque frame, the S101 is a sub-4 meter SUV that is reported to take on the Ford EcoSport and the VW Taigun. When it launches sometime next year or in 2016, the baby Mahindra will be powered by a newly-developed 1.2-liter petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (which could be the same three-cylinder mCR100 engine used by the Quanto). The petrol engine is being jointly developed by Mahindra and its group company, Ssangyong.

An earlier spyshot, which showed a portion of the interior, revealed the dashboard-mounted gearlever of the S101 indicating that it could get a bench-type seat at the front. This would allow Mahindra to launch the S101 as a 3+3 seater.

Apart from the S101, Mahindra have lined up a facelift for the Scorpio (which will launch in the next few months), the next generation Bolero (codenamed U301, for 2016), and a global MPV.

Competitors: Ford EcoSport, VW Taigun

Expected Price: INR 5-7 lakhs

[Spy images from Car Toq]