SsangYong Tivoli Based Mahindra S201 Compact SUV Spied Testing

While we know that the SsangYong brand won't be expanding its base in India any further, the company's though will play an important role for parent company Mahindra. The Indian auto giant has been working on its own iteration of a compact SUV based on the Tivoli and the model was recently spied testing. Codenamed S201, the SUV was spotted being tested alongside rival Hyundai Creta. The SsangYong Tivoli has been on sale internationally for a while now and has garnered quite some attention being a well packaged offering.

(The Mahindra S201 was spotted testing alongside the Hyundai Creta)

Sharing the same monocoque chassis as the Tivoli, it's believed that Mahindra will introduce two versions of the S201 SUV. There will be a sub 4-metre variant, whle an extended version with seven seats is also reportedly in the works. The shorter version with five seats will be taking on the Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and the likes, while the seven seater will be more expensive and a Renault Duster rival.

While the overall silhouette remains similar to the Tivoli, the Mahindra S201 will get a different appearance more in-line with the Indian automaker's other products. The shorter and longer versions are expected to get visually different styling as well.

(The Mahindra S201 spied is still in the pre-production guise)

Under the hood, Mahindra is expected to use a 1.2-litre G80 turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine on the S201. The 1.6-litre mFalcon engine could also make it to the offering in the future. This will be Mahindra's third product in the compact SUV space after the TUV300 and the dud selling NuvoSport.

(The Mahindra S201 is expected to go on sale by late 2018)

Meanwhile, Mahindra has a host of other products lined up for launch including the TUV300 Plus, U321 premium MPV, 2018 XUV500 with updates and more. The company will also be introducing at least three new electric vehicles in the coming years, as per reports. The Mahindra S201 is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2018 or early 2019.

Spy Images Source: DriveSpark.com