Upcoming Mahindra U321 MPV seen in more spyshots
More spy images have emerged of the Mahindra U321 MPV being tested. Unlike earlier pictures which only showed the front of the car, these images show the U321 to have larger, vertically stacked tail lamps. The car also gets a slight rake on the rear windscreen similar to what has been seen on the XUV500 and slim rear bumpers with integrated rear fog lamps. A notable feature of the tailgate is the relatively deep recess for the number plate housing. Other details seen in these images are substantially sized outside rear view mirrors with integrated turn indicators and what looks like 16 or 17-inch wheels.
The exterior of the car has been developed at Mahindra's North American Technical Centre in the US. The Mahindra U321's front features a black mesh grille with the chrome claw motifs that are becoming a Mahindra design staple. The projector headlamps are enclosed in a blacked out housing with the LED DRLs being integrated into the fog lamps in the front bumper.
The overall design language of the car is quite similar to that of the XUV500 and KUV100 and is a mix of soft curves with a sharp character line running along the door handles on the side.
The car is expected to be powered by Mahindra's new 1.6-litre diesel engine which should produce around 128PS and 305 Nm. A petrol engine might also be made available later in the car's production run. The MPV will share its monocoque construction with the XUV500 and KUV100.
The interiors are expected to be feature loaded in a similar fashion to the XUV. It will be available in a 7-seater and 8-seater layout. Its dual-tone interior is expected to be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, piano black panelling and a new steering wheel. The U231-codenamed MPV will be positioned as a value alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta and be priced above the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Once it is launched by the end of the year, Mahindra will be hoping to cash in on the success of the Innova Crysta with its new MPV. By positioning it as a value-alternative, Mahindra will expect this car can take some sales away from the segment leader.
Image Source: auto.ndtv.com