Mahindra's upcoming MPV (Toyota Innova rival) spotted testing in Chennai

Mahindra’s upcoming Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), yet another aspiring home-grown rival to the legendary Toyota Innova, is no longer a new sight on Indian roads. Multiple automotive publications including Anything-On-Wheels have caught the vehicle testing on numerous occasions before. Here it is, spotted testing again, in Chennai, home to Mahindra’s R&D Center.

Codenamed U321 internally, the upcoming MPV is shaping up into what could potentially be Innova’s closest challenger till date. Up front, Mahindra’s trademark toothy grille is seen, this time smaller and less intimidating. Wraparound headlights with inbuilt projectors, triangular fog lamps and an unfinished bumper with a big air dam are visible amidst the camouflage. While the rest of the car is fully hidden, a set of aggressively-styled alloy wheels and LED taillight clusters with Scorpio-like vertical reflectors extending into the rear windscreen can still be seen. Clearly, Mahindra's designers have exercised restraint this time around. Let's just hope they stay this way until the product is fully revealed. 

Our earlier spy shots of this upcoming MPV alongside an Innova and an Innova Crysta revealed that Mahindra’s challenger compares favourably with its arch-rival from Japan in terms of size. That augurs well for big families and fleet operators for whom a comfortable third row would be a necessity.

Though Mahindra is still tight-lipped on the specifications, the 2.0-liter ‘mHawk’ diesel engine that currently powers the XUV5OO and the Scorpio is likely to be this MPV’s source of power. The entry-level variants, targeted primarily at the commercial segment, might end up having the 'mHawk 100' engine from the TUV3OO to save on costs and increase fuel efficiency.

While many expected Mahindra to unveil this MPV at the 2018 Auto Expo, the Nashik-based disappointed by not uttering a word on its future models. The wait for a credible Innova rival is all set to continue then!