Mahindra will be launching a facelifted version of the Maxximo LCV along with the S101 compact SUV this year as part of the 7 products planned for launch.
If there is one thing that we see far too often on the interweb is Mahindra testing its products extensively. Be it with the XUV500, Quanto or the new generation Scorpio, test mules have been spied for years and years together with the launch date far from sight at times. It now seems that the extensive testing philosophy has been extended to its commercial vehicles as well, as our reader Rishath Suresh caught the 2015 Maxximo Plus LCV during one of its test runs on the streets of Chennai.
Mahindra plans to launch seven products this year and the Maxximo Plus facelift can be expected to be part of the lineup. As seen in the images, the updated Maxximo will get a revised front fascia while the rear will get subtle updates to the tailgate. The side profile continues to remain the same along with the beige and black themed interiors from the outgoing model. The test mule however was fully loaded hinting towards improvements to the suspension set-up.
In terms of power though, the 2015 Mahindra Maxximo Plus facelift will use the same 909cc twin-cylinder engine producing 26 HP of power and 55 Nm of torque, paired to a 4-speed manual gearbox. Mahindra currently claims a fuel efficiency of 21.9 km/l courtesy of fuel smart technology which could be improved on the 2015 model. With the current version launched in 2013, it will be the right time for Mahindra to update the Maxximo especially with new competition coming in the form of Maruti’s Super Carry LCV.
Expected to be a very exciting year for Mahindra, the automaker has also been testing the S101/S102 compact SUV that will take on the premium hatchbacks, crossover-hatchbacks, and sub 4-metre SUVs together. With Mahindra testing the model for over a year now, it needs to be seen as to what the S101 has packed in store to take on its rivals. This time round our reader Akhil Sikharam caught the S101 testing on the Hosur-Bangalore road during its testing runs.
While details are not officially out yet, the S101 will be powered by the newly developed 1.2-litre petrol and existing 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood. Speculations also suggest that Mahindra will be offering the compact SUV with an AMT unit right from the start, giving it an edge over its rivals. The Mahindra S101 will come with a 6-seater layout with brawny looks and dimensions resembling that of a hatchback. Mahindra is expected to launch the compact SUV in the second half of this year and will be the most affordable SUV to come from the Scorpio maker.
