IAB reader spots the Mahindra U301 compact SUV - Spied

09/01/2015 - 12:42 Mahindra U301, Mahindra Paranjay Dutt

To be launched this year.

Update - IAB reader Kanika spotted the U301 again, testing in Chennai. The spyshot provides another look at car's boxy profile and vertical flanks that would contribute to high headroom. Lurking behind the camouflage is a high waistline, short overhangs, and as the wheels are pushed to extreme corners, the focus on this vehicle is on interior space.

Said to be the next gen Bolero, the Mahindra U301 was caught recently by IAB's reader Aravind KS. The test mules (two of them as seen in the picture) were on the Grand Southern Trunk road in Chennai.

2015 Mahindra U301 Bolero replacement spied in Chennai front — The U301 will be launched later this year and has been spotted testing since last year.

As previous reports and spyshots suggested, the U301-based SUV will be a sub-4 meter vehicle, hence benefiting from lower taxes. In terms of engines, the vehicle is expected to use newly developed 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre units.

Like the updated Scorpio, the U301 will get a hydroformed chassis, hence enabling better road manners. Unlike the smaller S101 crossover, which is also expected to launch this year, the new Bolero will continue using a body-on-frame structure. One of the two vehicles on test was shod with a new design 10-spoke alloys and a side-step, indicating a higher variant while the other was running on black steel wheels.

2015 Mahindra U301 Bolero replacement spied in Chennai alloy wheels — One of the mules was spotted with alloy wheels and side step.

These recent set of spyshots also include one that shows the partially covered interior. Amidst testing cables and a cover over the dashboard, the rectangular shape of the AC vents can be seen. The centre console appears to be slightly protruding while the vents are located a little higher.