Mahindra to launch all-new SUV on Ssangyong Tivoli X100 platform in India
Mahindra seems to be in an overdrive mode with new launches. After having launched the Mahindra eVerito last month, the only electric sedan sold in India, it has now revealed plans of launching a new crossover based on the X100 platform that underpins the India-bound SsangYong Tivoli. At the recently held FIA 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 upcoming crossover is likely to feature Mahindra's new 1.5-litre petrol engine that the company plans to bring in the recently launched NuvoSport and the TUV300 as well. The diesel variants of the crossover might share the same 1.6-litre unit that is offered in the Tivoli. This could initiate technology sharing between both Mahindra and SsangYong which will not just help bring in more products but also make them price competitively. Presently, the SsangYong Rexton is imported through the CKD route and assembled at Mahindra's Chakan facility. The upcoming crossover too will be manufactured at the same facility in India.
Additionally, the Mahindra crossover will be again designed by the company's Italian design house, Pininfarina, making it the third product after the TUV300 and the KUV100. In our Mahindra TUV300 road test, Bert mentioned, "The TUV300 is imposing, for a sub 4-metre SUV. Despite staying under that length limit, Mahindra has managed to pull off a vehicle that looks larger than it should." While Halley's review on the Mahindra KUV 100 states, "The vehicle's unique styling is meant to appeal to the younger audience". We believe Mahindra's upcoming crossover to take the notch higher in terms of design. The SsangYong Tivoli too is one impressive looking SUV and if the upcoming Mahindra crossover is inspired by the Tivoli, Mahindra will have a premium yet compact SUV which can take on its rivals with stronger aggression.
On the other hand, the Ssangyong Tivoli was already showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, dropping a hint of its India launch later this year. To make sure the Tivoli doesn't meet the same fate as the Rexton, Mahindra can contemplate manufacturing the crossover and not import it, making the car a value for money proposition. The SaangYong Tivoli will be priced similar to the Mahindra XUV500 and will compete with the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. It will meet demands of someone looking to buy a premium and compact SUV. For the ones wanting a larger alternate, the XUV500 should aptly suffice. It will come loaded with features like a dual-zone climate control system, touchscreen infotainment system and seven airbags.
SsangYong offers Tivoli with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines in the international markets. The petrol puts out 128PS/160Nm, whereas the diesel churns out 115PS/300Nm. These motors are offered with an option between 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. SsangYong will retain the options for the Tivoli in India.