Preview: New Mahindra MPV to rival the Toyota Innova Crysta

It is already known that Mahindra is working on a new 7-seater MPV, tentatively called the TUV500. Test mules of the same have been spotted on various occasions around Chennai. The new Mahindra MPV is believed to be the first offering that has been developed at the Mahindra's North American Technical Centre (MNATC) in Troy, Michigan. The facility was inaugurated in May 2014 to develop vehicles for both domestic as well as international markets.

Mahindra already offers the Xylo in 7-seater MPV segment. However, it wasn't the best equipped in terms of features and design. The upcoming Mahindra MPV might be positioned above the Xylo and will share its list of features with the flagship offering, the XUV500. The Mahindra TUV500 will arrive in India next year and will compete with the Toyota Innova Crysta as well as the Tata Hexa.

Design

The Mahindra MPV is still undergoing testing and has been spotted with a heavy camouflage. The only details that are seen include the new sabre tooth like radiator grille and the twin-projector headlights. It gets a muscular front bumper with large central dam and fog lamp housing. The overall dimensions look similar to that of the Xylo, but the silhouette of the new MPV looks comparatively more appealing with the large front and shorter rear overhangs. The LED tail lights feature a new design while the large tailgate offers a lower loading lip section.

Interior, features and options

Mahindra SUVs and MPVs have always been generous on space, and we believe the new MPV too will retain this trait. The Mahindra TUV500 will be offered in 8- and 7-seater options. The only criticism that the range has faced is the use of low-grade plastics and poor finish, which might not be the case in the Mahindra TUV500. This one will be laden with features already seen on the XUV500. With the increasing focus on connectivity, Mahindra might also offer a new-age infotainment system with Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto paired with navigation and other entertainment bits.

Platform and engine options

At the Formula E Championship in Berlin, Pawan Goenka, executive director, Mahindra and Mahindra, mentioned that the company is working on two new platforms, one of which will debut in the next 14-15 months. The new Mahindra MPV might be based on one of them unless it shares the platform with the TUV300 compact SUV.

In addition to the existing engine options seen on the TUV300, the Mahindra MPV is expected to be powered by a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The same is expected to debut in the Mahindra XUV500 too. We also expect the 1.99-litre mHawk engine, which is offered in the Scorpio and the XUV500, to make its way in the new MPV along with an optional automatic transmission.

Price

We expect Mahindra to price its upcoming MPV in the range of Rs 9.5-14 lakh, ex-showroom. It will not only compete with the Toyota Innova Crysta but will also rival the likes of other 7-seater offerings like the Honda BR-V and the Renault Lodgy.

Images source: Gaadiwaadi.com