[TusharK]

Earlier this month, Mahindra had released a video demonstrating the off-road capabilities of the new Thar. It appears to have been filmed at a Mahindra test track and if you look closely, you will notice a prototype of a compact SUV testing in the background.



The prototype appears at the 45 second mark in the video. The SUV can be seen testing on the banked section of the track in the background. While it is difficult to comment on what this car might be, it appears to be smaller than the XUV300.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZnTI3inBjw

In the sub-compact SUV segment, Mahindra currently offers the KUV100 NXT. It is powered by a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 115 Nm @ 3,500-3,600 rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Earlier, Mahindra's Rajesh Jejurikar had stated that the carmaker plans to focus on SUVs instead of crossovers and will not target segments where it does not have a competitive advantage. So, it would be safe to assume that Mahindra does not plan to enter a new segment with the new model.

Thanks to BHPian CrAzY dRiVeR for sharing this with other enthusiasts!

Link to Team-BHP News

[kamilharis]

WOW this an excellent catch.

Might be the Tata Hornbill competitor ?

[DicKy]

That's a NICE catch.

Could only be done by an eagle eyed enthusiast PLUS new Thar fanatic ( would have had to watch that video umpteen times to notice that detail ) @CrAzY dRiVeR

Looks like a bigger version of Ignis.
Hope it clearly replaces the KUV100 (one of the rare cars I just HATE, apart from the front armrest and gear lever.)

Couldn't understand the 'no more crossovers, only SUVs' comment. The line between SUVs and crossovers are more blurred than ever.
But for a statement of that sort, must have meant only two things.
Either future vehicles will be boxy with a clear two box shape, or
all vehicles would have an AWD/4x4 option.

Would have meant the former.

[tushky]

Excellent observation! But are we sure about the video shot on Mahindra's Test track? Because Mahindra's plant and ARAI's another testing facility is located in the same Chakan area in Pune. So the test vehicle might be of any other brand. Just a guess.

[CARDEEP]

I believe it could be the first amongst Mahindra & Ford love child that we may see in few years.

[jetsetgo08]

Nice catch. My guess, it's a KUV100 v2.0.

[Vid6639]

It's not a Mahindra most likely. The video is shot at VRDE which is the testing track for all manufacturers.

So it could be any brand and not really Mahindra at all.

[akash_v12]

Nice catch CrAzY dRiVeR! If this indeed is a Mahindra, the shape seems very much like the XUV3OO. This might be a test for the 1.2 mStallion engine?

Originally Posted by Vid6639

It's not a Mahindra most likely. The video is shot at VRDE which is the testing track for all manufacturers.
So it could be any brand and not really Mahindra at all.

However, if what Vid6693 says is correct, it may be just another new/facelifted CSUV for the Indian market.

[chinchu.c]

Excellent observation!

There is another thing that I noticed in the videos by Mahindra.

The registration number shown in the Thar videos are probably those of earlier BS IV vehicles. It could be a standard practice though. I am not an expert there.

Eg.: The Thar shown at 25 seconds onwards in the video titled 'Save the Date: 2nd Oct 2020 | Launch of the All-New Thar' bears the registration number of a 2016 XVU 500 AWD.

The one shown from 30 second onwards has the registration number of a 2018 Thar CRDe.

Then again, around 34 seconds, an XUV 500 AWD, 2016.

Just being curious here. Why not mask the number plates, as in other videos?

Video Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGKcteJ5w9k

[rusteinstein]

Originally Posted by chinchu.c

Excellent observation!

Just being curious here. Why not mask the number plates, as in other videos?

Video Link:
https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=OGKcteJ5w9k

Masking takes focus off the subject in focus and it somehow spoils what is being showcased. As long as the number plate does not belong to a private individual who would consider it a breach of privacy, I'd say it is a good call to skip any masking process.

Also, there are a very few petrol heads who would go back and check the year and make of the vehicle.

[smileline]

Excellent observation. On checking the video I just realised, we can see either the same car or an another car, difficult to guess. It can be seen at 55 and 56sec mark.

It I think shows two different cars, one looks camouflaged (the second picture, showing only the rear wiper) and the first and third picture not...

(The order of the screenshots is not as per appearance in the video)

[sharan_si]

From the shape, it looks like next version of XUV 3OO.
They don't have petrol AT, possibly petrol AT.

[46TheDoctor]

Originally Posted by sharan_si

From the shape, it looks like next version of XUV 3OO.
They don't have petrol AT, possibly petrol AT.

It definitely looks like the shape of XUV300 to my eyes with its large wheelbase and wide front track clearly noticeable (with rear bumper sitting so close to the rear wheels).

Also, when i visited Mahindra showroom last week i was told by the sales person that they will be launching Petrol AT (non AMT version) very soon, so this could be it.

[chiefpk]

I really think that it might be the Tata HBX but looking at the rear end it seems something different. Mahindra lets leak the product!!!

[PrasunBannerjee]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

It's not a Mahindra most likely. The video is shot at VRDE which is the testing track for all manufacturers.

So it could be any brand and not really Mahindra at all.

It may not be a Mahindra, otherwise they might have taken efforts to mask it or not let it appear at all. Just in case its a Mahindra (and they decided to tease new products underway), here are my guesses:

1. Can't really judge the length of this one from the shot, bit of illusion. It may be a next gen KUV or KUV replacement to take on Tata HBX

2. Perhaps a too early prototype of XUV3OO replacement for when in future they part ways with Ssangyong. (maybe with the Ford JV/inputs)

3. The silhouette, roofline/b-C Pillar area reminds of bigger Ford SUV's like the Explorer, Edge (previous generations) so it may be something out of a Ford-Mahindra JV in test. Either a Ford version of XUV5OO (higher chances since XUV5OO is also in testing) or the Creta rival that is due to come.

Whatever it is, looks like a well proportioned stance. Only time will tell for who was right. I'll check back correctness of my guesses perhaps after a year or two by revisiting this thread