Mahindra will unload quite a lot of new surprises from their trucks at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018. The ones shedding their camouflage will include the XUV 500 facelift, the all-new U321 MPV, the rumoured XUV 700, two new compact SUVs based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, a facelifted Bolero, (catch your breath), all the new cars in their electric vehicle portfolio and maybe even the ROXOR, an off-road lifestyle vehicle which will be launched in North America this year. Here’s the expected list.
Auto Expo 2018: Mahindra XUV 500 Facelift
An updated Mahindra XUV 500 has been doing the rounds for some time now and will show up with subtle changes to its fascia at the Expo. There will be a new grille up front along with a new design for the twin-barrel headlamps, redesigned bumpers and subtle tweaks to the tail lamps. The alloy wheel pattern will change too. A major change will happen under the hood where the facelifted XUV 500 is expected to be powered by an updated 2.2-litre mHawk engine which will crank out 170 hp and close to 400 Nm, up from the current 140 PS and 330 Nm. On the inside, expect changes to the upholstery and an updated infotainment system.
Auto Expo 2018: Mahindra XUV 700
Image Courtesy: IAB
The word going around is that a bigger, more premium XUV based on the new Ssangyong Rexton is on the cards and could show up at the Expo as the XUV 700. Taking on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, the said vehicle is internally codenamed as Y400 and could be priced to entice buyers who’re in the market for all things butch. The Mahindra XUV 700 will be based on a new body-on-frame chassis that comes from Ssangyong and its metal will be carved to help it cut an aggressive picture on the road. Loaded with features and equipment, the XUV700 will most likely be powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, Turbo Diesel engine which will crank out 180 bhp+ and nearly 420 Nm of torque.
Mahindra U321 MPV
Slotting itself between the very popular Innova and other MPVs like the Ertiga and the Lodgy. Based on a new monocoque chassis, the U321 has been designed to look aggressive, what with its sharply designed projector headlamps, a grille which looks similar to the new Scorpio and smart looking rear. The all-new Mahindra U321 MPV will debut with a 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine. Co-developed by Ssangyong and Mahindra, the motor will crank out 125 PS of power and 305 Nm of torque. Transmission duties could well be handled by a 6-speed manual box. Inside, expect a slick infotainment display, a modern instrument cluster, a 3-spoke steering wheel, Automatic air-con and comfortable seating for 7.
Ssangyong Tivoli based Compact SUVs
Two new compact SUVs based on the Ssangyong Tivoli will be present at the Expo, gracing Mahindra’s pavilion. One of them will be a full-size compact SUV which will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, while the other will be a sub-4-metre variant which will take on competitors of the same size. Codenamed S201, there will be quite a lot of parts sharing between the compact and the bigger SUV, however, what will help to differentiate between the two will be styling elements like the bumper, taillight design and the smaller rear tailgate. Under the hood, expect a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine to power both forms of the vehicle in different states of tune. On the inside, space should be at par or more than what current products in the same category offer. The spec sheet should also talk about a comprehensive features list which should include a touchscreen infotainment system, dual-tone upholstery and the works.
2018 Mahindra Bolero Facelift
One of the best selling UVs in the country, an update for the rugged Mahindra Bolero has been pending for long now and at the Auto Expo 2018, we might just see one with some new updates. Don’t expect too much to change on the styling front as that is what makes the vehicle so popular along with its rather simple mechanicals. What it might get updated with though is maybe a more powerful motor, some changes to the cabin, and minor changes to the detailing on the outside.
New Mahindra Roxor
Image used for representation only
Announced during the inauguration of Mahindra’s brand new facility in motor city Detroit, Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) also announced that a new lifestyle, off-road vehicle will be manufactured there. Called the ROXOR, the said vehicle will go on sale in North American markets towards the end of this year. Mahindra could fly in an example just to gauge if a vehicle like that or a built-for India iteration could work here since existing owners of the Mahindra Thar have nothing as hardcore to upgrade to, unless they can move up to something like the Jeep Wrangler.
Mahindra Electric Vehicles
The XUV Aero Concept which was displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo could show up this time as a good looking electric vehicle, ready for the market. Recently, speaking at a seminar in Delhi, Mahindra Electric Mobility CEO, Mahesh Babu said, “We will have three new products in the EV space which will be high-performance vehicles. The three new cars will have top speeds of 186 kmph, 150 kmph and 190 kmph and will go from 0-100 kms in 9, 11, and 8 seconds respectively. The range of these cars would be 350 km, 250 km, and 300 km.” Mahindra is also working towards making charging faster and expect some new technologies to be showcased at the event.
Apart from these, expect the Mahindra Formula E car to show up along with some striking new concepts and new engines. We’ll bring you all the details from the Expo next month and tell you more about everything that graces Mahindra’s space at the event. Until then, stay tuned!