Mahindra’s S101 mini-utility spotted in on-road tests

The new prototype of Mahindra's S101 mini-SUV has been snapped undergoing tests in the country by car-watchers, suggesting that the upcoming vehicle from the home-grown Indian manufacturer could get Chevrolet Beat-like rear door handles.

The latest test mule of Mahindra S101 shows a rear door design which is similar to the once in Chey Beat. Chevrolet Beat door handles are located near the rear windows. The spotted test mule is believed to be the base variant of S101 and the model also shows the production-ready wraparound tail lamps.

The Mahindra S1010, which is also called KUV100 and XUV100, is based on an all-new monocoque platform. The model, which is expected to make its market debut later this year, will be pitted against the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R in India and is likely to carry a price tag of around Rs4 lakh.

Caught on camera numerous times, the Mahindra S101 is expected to get a 3+3 seating configuration with bench-type seat in the front. Under the hood, S101 is expected to have 1.2 litre diesel and petrol mills. While the petrol mill is likely to be an all-new engine developed by the company; the diesel mill could be a watered-down version of the 1.5-litre Hawk engine.

Rumours are rife that the S101 will also get an automatic manual transmission (AMT) variant. However, the interior picture of S101 has shown a manual gearbox.