Mahindra XUV500 Can Be A Creta Rival In 2024
Mahindra XUV500 will soon be replaced by the name XUV700(W601), leaving many speculations about the XUV500. Mahindra did give a vague answer, saying it would ‘temporarily be discontinued, but there’s more to it than what hits the eye. Sources inside the organization now tell us that Mahindra actually saves the name for a modern, smaller SUV, direct opponents of Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.
When the Mahindra XUV500 (W201), which was 4.6 meters long, was unveiled in2011, there was a whole gap in the industry and its range of models went a long way with five and seven-seat versions, front and all-wheel drive, manual, and auto gearboxes. The Hyundai Crete, though, unveiled in2015, was a lightning rod that had a range of about 4.2-4.3 meters for five-seater competitors.
New seven-seaters such as the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar have recently appeared and settled on top of a division. The XUV700 is bigger and better fitted than the newly minted seven-seater segment (the existing Mahindra XUV500) and is going to increase the price. It would create a considerable distance between the current SUV ( S301) and the sub-four-meter XUV 300.
Interestingly, the model naming hierarchy was thought to remain intact and the S301 was known as XUV400. We’ve learned now even while it’s less than the existing XUV500, it’s supposed to be branded more up-to-date.
The S301 was intended to be co-developed with a Ford sister SUV and the Blue Oval B772 was all on the same platform.
However, when Ford’s deal on the JV and powertrain ended sharply earlier this year, Mahindra has had to go back to the S301 drawer. This is also the reason we will not see the latest Mahindra XUV500 that fills a crucial void in the model range of Mahindra before the beginning of 2024.
Mahindra probably uses an expanded version of the XUV300 base without Ford’s platform. The problem is, that basically means restoring a heavy and costly SsangYong Tivoli platform. So Mahindra should minimize weight and expense immediately in order for the S301 to be successful. This is a challenge. The corporation will however use the XUV700 engineering lessons for the S301. “The W601 software has taught us a light-weighting skill and we are optimistic that weight and cost optimization for the Tivoli model, which is a perfect starting point,” said a resource officer.
A joint production proposal for a Crete fighter was originally planned between Ford and Mahindra to share the B772 platform and powertrains. With the shutdown of the joint venture, Ford will no longer have access to the state-of-the-art Mahindra’s mid-size SUV based on the B772. This will benefit the S301, as Mahindra now has the power of its newer, modern mStallion engine family.
The S301, which is future-proof in order to meet the stricter BS6 Phase 2 emission requirements which will enter into force in2023, will probably come in an updated version of the XuV300 1.5-liter diesel engine. The mStallion family will also produce an all 1.5-liter turbo-petrol which grows at around 160hp. The 1.5-liter turbo-petrol launched at the 2020 Auto Expo is scheduled to make its debut in Marazzo petrol, but the company plans for MPVs have been put on the rear burner with Mahindra focused only on SUVs.
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