Mahindra S201 Spotted Testing, Diwali Launch Planned

It has been over two years since the news of the Tivoli coming to India first broke. For the uninitiated, the Tivoli is a compact SUV by Ssangyong that has been long rumored to be launched in India by Mahindra. Codenamed S201, the SUV was recently spotted testing by our eagle-eyed photographer and by the looks of it, it looks production-ready.

First we caught two S201s undergoing real-world testing which suggests that Mahindra is considering two versions of the S201 for the Indian market. As of now, however, the company has confirmed it will be bringing in the sub-4 metre SUV around Diwali this year. The yet-unnamed compact SUV will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon.

Coming back to the test mules, the sub-4 metre S201 looks more like an SUV rather than a crossover. It features a rather bold and squared-off front end with wraparound halogen headlamps. We do hope, when launched, it will get projector lamps, at least as an option. In the centre, will sit the traditional Mahindra grille, possibly featuring a square arch and slats. The windshield too is large and upright, reaffirming its SUV-like stance. The roof slopes slightly towards the rear and sports rails, while the rear is slightly flared to give it an imposing look. The tail lamps are most likely all LED. Finally, with a small rear windshield and slightly high-set tail lamps, the S201 should look quite youthful.

As for the engine, the sub-4 metre version is likely to be powered by a mFalcon 1.2-litre petrol engine. But its biggest draw will be the diesel. It is likely to be the same engine as on the Marazzo, displacing 1.5 litres, but will likely feature a less powerful tune. Expect it to produce 100PS and identical torque.

The bigger of the two cars is clearly aimed at the same segment as the Creta. Though similar in design to the sub-4 metre S201 and underpinned by the same Tivoli platform, it gets its own set of distinctive elements. It features a longer bonnet and will likely come with a sleeker grille that is flanked by projector headlamps. The windshield has a sharper rake and the overall design is less boisterous in comparison to its smaller sibling. The sloping roofline and the slightly hunkered down stance give it the appearance of a crossover.

As far as the engines go, since it will not be bound by the sub-4 metre rules, the bigger S201 could sport a 1.6-litre petrol engine. As for the diesel, it might be powered by the 1.6-litre diesel being developed jointly by Mahindra and SsangYong. Or, to avoid extra taxation, Mahindra could even fit it with the same 1.5-litre oil burner as the Marazzo in a similar state of tune producing around 120PS.

Mahindra is likely to arm the S201 to its teeth to take on its rivals. Dual airbags along with ABS could be offered as standard. Along with that, expect the car to feature a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Parking sensors with a reversing camera could also be thrown into the mix as well. Also, expect the pricing to be very competitive.