Mahindra & Mahindra has been working on at least four new products and a premium MPV code-named U321 is expected to be the first vehicle to enter the market. The premium MPV is set to be pitted against Tata Hexa and Toyota Innova Crysta.
Mahindra has now confirmed that MD Pawan Goenka will reveal the name of the MPV on July 31. The MPV is expected to go on sale in the upcoming festive season and hence, more details about the U321 is expected to be revealed at a press conference in Mumbai.
The U321 will be Mahindra's first monocoque MPV and it is the offspring of North American Technical Centre (MNATC) in Michigan and Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai.
The spy shots indicate U321 will have a typical MPV silhouette. It will have a chunky front and rear bumpers, and signature toothy seven-slat grille up front. LED daytime running lights and 16-inch wheels are details that have also been witnessed in the test cars. The test mules also feature sloping windshield and bonnet as well as short overhangs.
The cabin will be premium with the dual-tone colour scheme. The U321 is expected to be offered in seven and eight-seat configurations. The MPV will be feature-packed including a large touchscreen infotainment system with control, central aircon vents, automatic climate control and front-centre armrest on board. A three-spoke steering wheel, a two-pod instrument cluster, and fabric upholstery are expected to be inside the cabin.
The new U321 is likely to draw power from a 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine. The mill is good enough to generate nearly 123bhp of power and 305Nm of torque mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The new MPV of Mahindra may also get a 2.2-litre mHawk engine in the MPV.
Interestingly, Mahindra is gearing up for the launch of an MPV at a time when MPV segment has lost its sheen with the advent of new car segments. Recent MPV launches such as Honda Mobilio and Renault Lodgy were far from a success. Mahindra's own MPV, the Xylo, has also not done great business in terms of sales.
