Mahindra to launch a mini SUV – or is it an MPV?

We have been hearing occasional rumors about an upcoming vehicle from Mahindra for a while.  We have talked about the limited, but pent up, demand for a smaller suv to replace the Maruti Gypsy.  However, the only vehicle which even tries to be a mini SUV is the recently launched Premier Rio.  But that is a little too small and too unsophisticated to become a hit for that audience.

Recently, one of four favorite automobile blogs Vicky too talked about the upcoming small SUV from Mahindra. Intrigued, we went about trying to find out more.

Maruti Gypsy: The true mini-SUV

Now, first of all, let us clarify that everything that follows should be taken with a pinch of salt. These are clearly rumours and speculation, and could be completely wrong. The fact, though is that something is under development at Mahindra. It is likely to be a small SUV, a mini-Scorpio. On the other hand, it might be that Mahindra is targeting an entirely different segment and is working on a small MPV. Say, a mini-Xylo.

What all rumours seem to agree on is that this new mini SUV/MPV will be less than four meters in length and less than 1500 cc in engine capacity to make sure that it gets the excise benefits for vehicles that fall into those parameters. Some say that this will be a smaller version of the mHawk engine in the Scorpio.

We really wish that this would be the mini-SUV for the new generation of automobile enthusiasts. People who just need a fun four wheel drive vehicle to take their friends and girlfriends around on trips and can handle some bad roads. An SUV for those who do not have upwards of Rs 10 lakhs to spend, and do not have an entire Indian joint family to cart around. We hope to hear more about this vehicle as we approach the 2010 Auto Expo in January, so stay tuned.