IAB Report - Hatchback-like Mahindra S101 will offer SUV-like driving position

Sub-Quanto monocoque vehicle will target Swift and i20 customers.

Indian Autos Blog learns that the S101 will have hatchback like dimensions, yet behind the steering wheel, the high seating position and the ample visibility will give the driver a feel of driving a crossover.

Our reader Mr. Sharav Venkatesh has snapped the Mahindra S101 on test in Chennai last week. The S101 has been spotted on tests regularly in this city as Mahindra's R&D Center located on the outskirts of Chennai is developing this car.

Based on an all-new monocoque platform, the S101 (codename) would be Mahindra's smallest car when it launches sometime next year.

Thanks to the dashboard column-mounted gearlever, the S101 will offer more storage solutions for the driver and could also support a bench seat like the Datsun Go.

Power for the small Mahindra will come from three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The petrol motor powering the S101 would be Mahindra's new 1.2-liter engine which is jointly developed with Ssangyong.

Mahindra S101 - What to expect

[Can't see the video above? Head to Youtube]

Competitors: VW Taigun, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon

Expected Price: INR 5-7 lakhs, ex-Showroom

Launch Date: 2015