5+1 seating arrangement for the new Mahindra SsangYong S101 mini SUV (Spy picture)
From some time now, there is a new trend in the SUV segment, as called by the manufacturers the “mini” or “compact” version is gaining a huge market share compared to the full sized ones. Being under the sub-4-meter segment makes the vehicle fit in the buyers budget which in turns results in higher sales number which otherwise would be limited to buyers who can really afford one. Although the market is flooded with mini SUV’s and crossovers, there is one little drawback, which is the seating capacity, however large the mini SUV is from a hatchback or sedan, it still shares the same seating capacity of 5 (4+1) including the driver.
Well, Mahindra in collaboration with its Korean counterpart SsangYong is all-set to break the trend and maybe start new one. There is a new range of mini SUV’s the S101 and S102 which is under works at the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV), the S101 will be based on a new monocoque platform which will serve as a base for upcoming SUV’s in the sub-4-meter range. The S101 will be powered by the same 1.5-litre diesel engine used in the Quanto with some tweeks for higher torque and power. The power will be transmitted to the front wheels. The styling of the SUV as seen in the spy shots is also sportier and is inspired from the XUV500.
To accommodate the 5+1 seating arrangement the S101 will have gear lever mounted on the steering column similar to the earlier cars, with the center console removed the seating arrangement in the front can accommodate two passenger on a single bench and the driver gets a bucket seat. The S101 will be placed below the Quanto and will be priced accordingly. Although the S101 will be all about the basic mini SUV features there is another mini SUV S102 in pipeline on the same platform with more luxury features.
Mahindra is also working on new range of diesel and petrol engines in the range of 1.2 to 2.6-litre, and has invested a wooping 4,300 crore for the research and development.
Check out the computer-generated and spy pictures by AutoCarIndia below the jump.
Also see – Spy Shots – Mahindra S101 Sub-Compact SUV, Mahindra’s smallest creation yet!
Photo Renderings – Here’s what the Mahindra S101 Mini-SUV looks like from almost from every angle
Mahindra SsangYong S101 Mini SUV (Spy picture) – FrontView
Mahindra SsangYong S101 Mini SUV (Spy picture) – RearView
Mahindra SsangYong S101 Mini SUV – FrontView
Mahindra SsangYong S101 Mini SUV – SideView
Source – AutoCarIndia
