Mahindra’s Upcoming MPV Spied Up Close

Mahindra is expected to pitch it against the venerable Innova in the country.

Mahindra is cooking a brand new MPV, which is most likely to have the Innova Crysta as its primary competitor. The MPV was first spotted testing in India a few months ago and is reportedly being developed by Mahindra’s Troy technical centre in Michigan, USA. It is expected to be launched next year in the country.

At the front, the MPV features swept-back projector headlamps, which are flanked by Mahindra’s signature grille (the grille was visible in previous sightings). This new-gen grille made its debut with the current Scorpio. The tail lamps look similar to that of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in terms of design. The sides are typical MPV-ish with elements such as large windows and doors, while the overall size appears to be similar to that of the Innova Crysta. Notice the rear windscreen; it looks humongous compared to rest of the vehicles in its class.

Though MPVs are a dying breed in India, the second generation Innova is giving nightmares to other segments as well with its sales. Tata is also coming up with a new crossover – the Hexa – soon to compete with the Toyota Innova Crysta. Mahindra is expected join these two vehicles next year with its yet-to-be-named MPV. Like the Hexa and the Innova Crysta, Mahindra’s MPV is most likely to be based on a ladder frame platform. This is presumably the new modular ladder-frame chassis that was introduced with the second generation Scorpio. Mechanically, it will be pulled by the 2.2-litre diesel along with one of the petrol engines from the new family that the automaker is coming up with for its entire lineup.