Mahindra S201 SUV based on SsangYong Tivoli in the making; to rival Hyundai Creta

Utility vehicle major Mahindra already has one of the versatile SUV portfolios in the country. To consolidate its presence in the SUV space, the Mumbai-based automaker has been working on a number of new projects. One among the new project has been codenamed S201.

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The S201 will become an all-new small SUV and it will join the line-up in 2018 reports Autocar India. The SUV will be positioned as a rival to Hyundai Creta. The S201 will be based on SsangYong Tivoli's platform. Although Mahindra exhibited Tivoli at the Auto Expo 2016, there was no news regarding its launch in India. Mahindra will be targeting potential Tivoli buyers with the S201.

The purported model has already been spotted wearing Tivoli's body panels. The production spec will feature a styling in line with Mahindra's DNA both outside and inside. Since the S201 is pitted as a rival for Creta, the SUV will be packed with dual-zone air-conditioning, seven airbags, ESP, smart key system and leather interiors.

The S201 will draw power from the new generation of powertrains developing in conjunction with its SsangYong subsidiary. The duo is currently developing engines from 1.2-litre to 1.6-litre meeting Euro VI emission norms. The S201 is expected to get 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Along with the S201, the project U321 is the next major vehicle from Mahindra. The U321 will become a premium MPV rivalling Toyota Innova Crysta and Tata Hexa. Mahindra has recently confirmed its plans to invest Rs 1,500 crore on its Nasik and Igatpuri plants in Maharashtra ahead of U321's arrival.

With the new products, Mahindra will be hoping to regain its market share which has dropped from 56 percent in 2012 to 29 percent by the end of last year.