If the latest reports are anything to go by, Mahindra's much-rumoured TUV500 — an elongated version of the TUV300 — is likely to be manufactured only for export as the model would attract more infrastructure cess in India after the increase in the duty in the budget 2016. According to a MotorOctane report, Mahindra may not sell the model in the Indian market.
It was reported earlier that Mahindra is readying a new full-grown SUV of the TUV300 and it is likely to be called the TUV500. The TUV500, which is expected to be built around the same platform as that of the TUV300, is speculated to boast similar styling those of the TUV300, but with elongated rear. The Indian auto major is also working on a compact version of the Bolero, which is currently in the market.
Coming back to the TUV500, although Mahindra is yet to divulge any details about the TUV500, rumours suggest that the SUV in the work is codenamed the U108. Previous reports had indicated that the upcoming SUV would be powered by a 2.2L or 1.9L mHawk diesel motor either with manual transmission or automated manual transmissions (AMT). The TUV500 is likely to include new features to make it different from the TUV300. Other details about the model are awaited.
