Mahindra is currently working on two versions of the Tivoli-based SUV. Mahindra’s offerings based on the SsangYong will debut in India by mid next year. One variant is expected to be a big seven-seat SUV while the other will be a sub-four metre compact SUV. Mahindra suggests that both models will be very different and won’t overlap each other.
At the moment, SsangYong Motor Company sells two versions of the Tivoli, standard and XLV. The XLV is longer than the standard Tivoli by 238mm, the increase in length is seen in the rear to improve boot space. However, in India the longer version will make room for the seats in the third row, making it a 5+2 arrangement.
The smaller variant will be a modified version of the Tivoli to meet the length requirement of less than four metres to benefit from the tax concessions given to vehicles under four metres in length in India. The mechanicals and the interior bits for both SUVs will be from the Tivoli, however, the exterior design is where Mahindra will make most of its changes. In terms of performance, the SUVs will be powered by either a 1.2-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol or a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel which Mahindra claims will have best-in-class performance.
The shorter SUV is expected to take on Tata’s Nexon and Maruti’s Brezza, the longer variant will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster.
