Mahindra S101 spied again; could get front bench seat

Test mules of the upcoming S101 compact SUV from Mahindra have been spotted on numerous occasions. The car has been spied once more and this time it appears to have a three-abreast seating arrangement at the front. Images put up by Motor Vikatan show that the car has two passenger seats at the front. His will give it a 3+3 seating configuration.

It is speculated that the vehicle will borrow many styling cues from the XUV500, which might be right considering that the units fitted to the test mule resemble those of the bigger vehicle. It is not clear what engines are likely to be used in the S101. However, rumours are doing the rounds that a new range of 3-cylinder petrol and diesel units could be used.

The S101 is Mahindra's answer to the Ford EcoSport. It is less than four metres in length and will be eligible for excise benefits which will help Mahindra to price it competitively. The company is also likely to position it as an alternative to premium hatchbacks. The S101 will be rolled out of Mahindra's new plant located at Cheyyar in Tamil Nadu.