Upcoming Mahindra TUV300 (U301) spied, taillights revealed

Mahindra is readying up a spate of all-new launches in India to consolidate its position as the country's largest manufacturer and seller of Utility Vehicles. One of those crucial models is the car you see in this post. Caught testing in the outskirts of Pune by our ardent fan Guru, these test mules conceal what is widely believed to be the spiritual successor of the Bolero.

Rumored to be called the Supro TUV300, this upcoming Sport Utility Vehicle has, for the first time ever, revealed its rear albeit partially. In spite of numerous spy-shots by us and our fellow journalist friends from other websites and publications over the last one year, not much could be inferred on the vehicle's design. From these shots, we can now confirm that the Supro TUV300 would come with a glossy black finish on the D-pillar, thereby creating an impression of a floating roof. Also partially visible is one of the taillight lenses that appear to sport a trapezoidal shape that tapers slightly at the top. Despite its squarish and boxy proportions, we find this upcoming Mahindra very promising with a wide and balanced footprint. There is none of that 'sky-scraper on wheels' feeling we experienced when we first saw the Quanto. 

Of course, we will reserve our final judgement on the design and styling until we see the Supro TUV300 without camouflage. Codenamed U301, this upcoming SUV is said to have two different body lengths. One will duck under 4 meters to take advantage of the excise duty concessions offered by the Indian Government. There would also be a full length model that, in all probability, would be priced and positioned higher. Mahindra is believed to have developed all-new petrol and diesel engines under displacements of 1.2 liters and 1.5 liters respectively to be eligible for excise duty benefits. Apart from powering the TUV300 twins, these engines are also expected to do duty in the upcoming compact SUV codenamed S101. Visibly smaller than the U301, it is expected to be the entry-level model in Mahindra's lineup.

Going by what we saw in the new Scorpio and the XUV500 facelift, we expect these upcoming Mahindra launches to have interiors of reasonable quality that's decently loaded as well. Sure enough, all the goodies from the XUV500 won't make it in here but the Supro TUV300 and upcoming S101 can safely be assumed to boast kit that are par for the segment and, possibly, something more too.

Our reader also states that the launch date could be very close as the dealer dispatches appear to have commenced already.

Even after it's launch, Mahindra might contiue selling the Bolero as it is, given that the old yet rugged vehicle is still going strong as Indian's largest selling Utility Vehicle. That would mean the Nashik-based Indian brand is set for a major growth if these upcoming models hit the sweet spot with the discerning Indian customers.

EDIT: Mahindra released official sketches of this upcoming compact SUV on July-30 along with its TUV300 branding.