When all the other players are trying to cash in on the compact SUV segment, why should the king of all- the home-grown SUV maker Mahindra and Mahindra stay behind in the race. The largest SUV manufacturer of India is also gearing up to foray into the highly growing sub-compact SUV market. All set to break the long-standing silence, the auto giant is soon to launch its first ever compact SUV-TUV 3OO in India on 10 September 2015. The vehicle is inspired by a battle-tank, built on newly developed hydroformed chassis and has been manufactured from scratch. Looking similar to elder sibling Bolero, TUV 3OO has been developed at Mahindra’s Research Valley (MRV) plant in Chennai, though it will be rolled out from Mahindra Chakan facility in Pune.
According to company’s spokesperson, the all new TUV 3OO will be a fresh piece of technology that will adorn a flat roof, small overhangs and high ground clearance with some added features. All these attributes give the car a true SUV gaze outside. Said to substitute sub 4 meter SUV Quanto, the upcoming vehicle is actually not replacing it but Quanto will continue to be offered as before. Other design cues in new compact SUV include large windows, short front and squared off style. The styling philosophy of this upcoming SUV might appeal many heads as it has got its design inputs from leading firm Pininfarina.
Inside the cabin of TUV 3OO, new things one would find are fresh instrument cluster and audio and Bluetooth mounted steering wheel, which is inspired from XUV 5OO. Seating arrangement of the car comes in the 3 rows manner with last row having jump seats. While, the lower variants are likely to run on 16-inch wheels, the high-end trims will get 235/85 R17 Ceat Czar all-terrain wheels.
Mechanically, the SUV will take its power from a 1.5 litre mHawk 80 diesel motor, which is possibly going to deliver 80 PS power output. When asked if the car would come in the 4WD pattern, it was said that though the platform is compatible to conjure a 4WD vehicle, yet TUV 3OO is not coming in 4WD avatar.
Speaking on the new launch that will soon take place, Mr. Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive (Automotive), M&M Ltd stated that the upcoming Mahindra TUV 3OO is definitely one of the most predictable launches of 2015. With design cues from a battle tank, the compact SUV carries in its blood a true ‘Make-in-India’ feel. He further said that company is sure to experience excitement on the part of customers and market.
Once the TUV 3OO comes in the market, Mahindra will establish itself as a full-fledged SUV maker with one car in each SUV segment. After its launch in India, the compact SUV will take on with the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Maruti S-Cross and Hyundai Creta.
As per the company’s statement, TUV 3OO will be a global model and the company will soon decide the markets, where it will export the car. Well, looking at the burning competition in Indian compact SUV segment, it is too see whether Mahindra would be able to maintain its legacy here too or other new players like Hyundai or Renault will make the automaker feel failure in this particular segment.
We hope Mahindra to do well in sub 4 meter SUV market with its TUV 3OO unlike Quanto that could not grab that much hype earlier. For now, we have to wait for the storm to come when TUV 3OO will make its entry on September 10 in the country.
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