Mahindra’s next big launch will be the S101 compact crossover, which is likely to be called the XUV100.
Targeted at compact hatchback customers, the XUV100 is expected to get a cab-forward design, where the A-pillar starts just aft the front wheel arch, which indicates more interior room. It gets a longish wheelbase and the overall profile is unmistakably more compact crossover than SUV.
The new set of images reveals the rear three quarters of this new model, and looks like it's being filmed for a TV commercial. The images confirm the new model’s crossover-like stance, and the styling of the rear hatch, tail-lamps and the doors. The Mahindra S101 (XUV100) gets pillar-mounted door handles for the rear doors – similar to the handles on the Chevrolet Beat. A thick, curved character line runs from the rear door all the way towards the rear hatch. The tail-lamps are large but form a simple arrangement and merge with the boot lid. The vehicle gets part black, part body-coloured rear bumpers, along with cladding throughout its sides.
The images seem to be of the top-spec variant as it has alloy wheels and additional chrome trim. There is a prominent rear spoiler present as well.
An earlier set of spy pictures gave away few details of the crossover’s interiors. The XUV100’s cabin gets a single binnacle instrument cluster, with two rectangular AC vents that sit on top of the centre console. There are multiple buttons that look like multimedia controls, and space for a small screen too. Under this are three HVAC switches positioned vertically. Interestingly, the S101 gets a bench seat in the front, with the gear lever moved to the dashboard, like in the Datsun Go. The Mahindra XUV100 will come with an all-new set of 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines. Like the TUV300, it will get an AMT transmission as well. Sources tell us that the base XUV100 will be priced around Rs 4 lakh, which will put it right in the middle of the mass-market compact hatchback category.