Mahindra-Ssangyong developing EcoSport rival

Mumbai-based Mahindra and its South Korean subsidiary, Ssangyong are believed to be working in collaboration on a new compact SUV, which will rival the Ford EcoSport.

Codenamed S102, the SUV will be based on Ssangyong X100 platform, and will be the first car to come out of the Mahindra-Ssangyong association. The car is likely to be manufactured at Mahindra’s Nasik plant and is expected to make its global debut in 2015. However, it could be at least another year by the time it is launched in India. The company is developing a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, petrol engine with variable valve timing technology to power the S102.

Apart from the S102, Mahindra-Ssangyong is said to be planning the S103, an MPV, which will be pitted against the Maruti Ertiga and the upcoming Honda Mobilio. Like the S102, the S103 will be based on the X100 platform.

Source: Economic Times