Mahindra U321 spotted next to a Toyota Innova Crysta in Chennai [Update]
Update - Autocar India reader Anandan has shared an image that reveals the front of the Mahindra U321 complete with production bumper, grille and headlights.
June 15, 2017 -
Launch confirmed this fiscal year.
A Team-BHP reader has snapped a Mahindra U321 test mule parked along with a Toyota Innova Crysta (may or may not be Mahindra's benchmark vehicle) in Chennai.
Given its high margin and potentially high volumes, the U321 is Mahindra's most important launch this fiscal, gunning for the Innova Crysta which made USD 2.4 billion in turnover for TKM last year. It is the first product to be designed and developed by the Mahindra North American Technology Center (MNATC) in Troy, Michigan, and will be completed by the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai.
The Mahindra U321 will become the third product to ride on a monocoque platform, following the XUV500 and KUV100. A few reports state that the U321 will source the transverse configuration 2.2L mHawk turbodiesel motor from XUV500 (1.99L for Delhi NCR), while other reports claim that a Mahindra-SsangYong co-developed 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine will debut in the U321. An all new 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol engine is also under consideration.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV500 LHD AT (post ’15 facelift) snapped testing in Dubai
According to Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, the Mahindra U321 will launch by February 2018, the same month when the Auto Expo 2018 is held. The production contract of the U321 has been given to Mahindra's facility in Nashik, Maharashtra which makes the Scorpio and Xylo.
[Source: Team-BHP & AutocarIndia.com]