Mahindra TUV300 AMT spotted undergoing calibration testing, more details emerge

A day before Mahindra officially announced the name of its upcoming compact Sport Utility Vehicle, we partially revealed its taillights and D-pillar. Now, just a week after we know that its going to be called the TUV300, we are back with a series of clear shots revealing more details of the upcoming vehicle.

Conceived, designed and developed in-house, Mahindra claims the inspiration for the TUV300 was a battle tank. With its upright nose, straight hood, flat roof and high ground clearance, it does bear similarities to a battle tank. The headlights have a fair amount of detailing in them with four distinct partitions for the various lamps. We aren't sure but one of them could even be a cornering lamp. The grille is a regular Mahindra fixture, so expect vertical protrusions with chrome highlights on a hexagonal mesh pattern. The spider's leg-shaped alloys shod with 215/75 R15 Apollos look tough and sporty, in line with Mahindra's rugged image. The C-pillar that appears to be designed with a ruler at an acute angle is visible beneath the camouflage too.

Though not the clearest shot of all, one of the picture also reveals the interiors of the TUV300. Despite all that camouflage, we could spot rectangular air-conditioner vents and chrome-ringed controls in the center console. The silver finish brings about a nice contrast too. Though not visible in the picture, the gear lever was finished in black and silver and looked good. While Mahindra announced that the TUV300 would be powered by the 'mHawk' engine, we do not yet know its power or torque figures. These pictures are also proof, if you ever needed one, that the TUV300 would come with the option of an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). This particular vehicle, in fact, was resting during its routine AMT calibration testing when we shot these pics off the busy NH 45 (Chennai-Trichy highway) last evening.

With the TUV300, Mahindra seems to be making all the right moves for success. Macho styling, rugged build, fairly-modern interiors, torquey diesel engine with the option of an AMT - you name it and the TUV300 has it. Its resemblance to the ugly Quanto notwithstanding, our gut feeling says the TUV300 is going to be a smash hit in the market unless Mahindra turns too optimistic with its pricing strategy. We can't wait for its launch now. Bring it on, Mahindra!