Upcoming Mahindra compact SUV crashes during test run

Thanks to sundarmk for bringing this to our notice.

Mahindra test drivers have managed to crash the upcoming compact SUV while testing. The incident happened in the Nilgiri hills.

While not much information is available about the accident, pictures suggest that the prototype of the S101, as the car has been codenamed, veered off the road and rammed into a signpost, knocking it down. Due to the heavy camouflage, it is difficult to judge the true extent of the damage. The car is seen carrying a lot of testing equipment.

The compact SUV segment is growing very quickly in India, with the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster leading the way. Mahindra has had a go in this segment with its Quanto, but not managed to make any significant gains, mainly due to the vehicle’s rather unappealing design. Mahindra will be hoping that the S101 will bring them more success.