Mahindra’s Xylo replacement spotted testing in Nashik

Mahindra and Mahindra is planning to introduce a new MPV that will replace the ageing Xylo in its product line up and the manufacturer has begun testing their new MPV codenamed, U321. The test mule was recently spotted in Nashik.

Up front the vehicle gets vertically slated grille which is part of Mahindra’s current design language. It appears that Mahindra has designed the U321 with the profile and body structures of a minivan. The new MPV will be based on a new monocoque platform and expected to come loaded with new features.

The upcoming MPV could be powered by Mahindra’s 2.0-litre and a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel while the lower variants could be offered with 2.6-litre mDi CRDe engine. It is unlikely that Mahindra will introduce a petrol drivetrain.

The company is also investing Rs 1,500 crore in its two facilities in Nasik and Igatpuri for the development and manufacturing of the upcoming U321. With major inputs from the team at the Mahindra North American Technology Center (MNATC) in Troy, Michigan, the company has also shipped the U321 to the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai for further testing and development.

The vehicle is expected to make a debut early next year at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo in Delhi. When launched the U321 will rival with the Toyota Innova Crysta and the Renault Lodgy.

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