New longer Mahindra TUV model spied

The longer-wheelbase SUV could be a successor to the Mahindra Bolero or an expansion of the Mahindra TUV range.

Written by: Anoop Menon

Published: December 26, 2016, 1:25 PM IST

https://www.india.com/car-and-bike/latest-news/news-cars/new-longer-mahindra-tuv-model-spied-2-3283696/

The Mahindra TUV300, which launched in 2015, holds a unique place in the line-up from Mahindra. Positioned in the sub-4-metre segment, the sub-compact SUV competes with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport. Its hard lines and battle tank-inspired design makes for an imposing but compressed stance. But new spy images suggest that Mahindra is working on a less stubby and longer version of the TUV, expanding beyond the sub-compact SUV segment. The new model was seen clad in heavy camouflage, but carried many of the design elements seen in the TUV300, including the hard lines and the thick vertical slats that run across the front grille.

Mahindra TUV500 spied – front

The newly spied model, which could be a TUV 500 model, gets a longer side window on its third row as a result of the longer wheelbase. This means that the third row of seats at the rear could be forward-facing, as opposed to the two jumper seats in the TUV300 that can feel uncomfortable and confined especially over long distances. The development of this new model suggests that Mahindra may be gunning for the MPV segment in India, with competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda BR-V, Renault Lodgy and Toyota Innova Crysta. Also Read: Top 4 sub-compact SUVs of 2016

Mahindra TUV500 spied – rear

What could the new longer-wheelbase TUV be replacing? It may be launched as a standalone model or a variant of the TUV, or as a replacement of the Mahindra Xylo, the current MPV from the Indian automaker that has been seeing dwindling sales and has been unable to cope up with its more contemporary rivals. The new model may also replace the Mahindra Bolero, but sources have previously speculated that it could just be called the TUV500. Demand for the larger-wheelbase Bolero has gone down after the launch of the sub-compact model, and Mahindra may be looking to phase out this model. The Bolero brand name may be carried forward with the successor, given its brand recall, but Mahindra may also decide to go the TUV route and strengthen the identity of the brand that it started in 2015.