The production spec Mahindra S101 comes with brawny styling for the rugged SUV-like appeal while the interior maximises space with dash integrated gear knob.
After tasting success with the TUV300 sub 4-metre compact SUV, Mahindra is planning to go even lower with the upcoming S101 (codename) or XUV100 (as per earlier reports) that will feature an SUV-like profile but smaller dimensions and will be taking on the hatchback segment in the market. With just weeks left for its official reveal, the S101 was caught in the production spec guise during its final phase of testing showing off a host of information about Mahindra’s extremely crucial offering in recent times.
Starting with the exteriors, intentional or not the front seems to take inspiration from the Range Rover Evoque and the uncanny resemblance is hard to miss on the Mahindra XUV100, especially with the mesh finished ducts on the front fender right under the hood. The front fascia will get a slightly toned grille while the headlight cluster looks sharply styled to gel with the urban yet brawny design language. The model gets a curved roofline for a hatchback-like appearance while the rear door gets a pillar mounted door handle similar to the Chevrolet Beat.
At the rear the Mahindra XUV100 gets a curved rear windscreen, roof mounted spoiler, smoked tail lamps and a contoured tailgate. The large bumper looks butch with trapezoidal shaped reflectors flanked at either end while the numberplate enclosure sits in the centre. Inside the cabin, the XUV100 crossover comes with bench style seating in the front row, dash integrated gearshift knob and an LCD screen for the infotainment system sans navigation. We also spotted a three-spoke multi-function steering with brushed silver insert while the cabin seems to be finished completely in black but could get different colour seats.
The 2016 Mahindra XUV100 is likely to draw power from a newly developed 1.2-litre petrol engine as well as the 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel motor seen on the TUV300. Transmissions options will include a 5-speed manual as standard on both engines while the diesel also getting an AMT unit complete with the Eco mode for improved fuel efficiency. As per recent reports, the XUV100 will be launched in the third week of January 2016 with extremely aggressive priced tag under Rs. 4 lakhs (ex-showroom).
