Mahindra & Mahindra has planned its annual Independence Day extravagate for this year. The homegrown automaker is set to unveil its all-new ‘Freedom NU’ monocoque platform along with four new SUV concepts – Vision S, Vision T, Vision SX and Vision SXT. On the same day, an all-new Mahindra compact SUV will also make its debut, which is expected to be the new-gen Bolero Neo featuring completely different body panels and a new design language.
2 Diesel engines
Starting with the powertrains, the new Mahindra compact SUV is expected to be offered with two diesel engine options – a 1.2L (borrowed from the XUV 3XO) and a 1.5L. The former delivers a claimed power of 109bhp and 230Nm of torque, while the latter three-cylinder motor is good enough for 100bhp and 260Nm. While the existing Bolero Neo is available only with a manual gearbox, this new model is likely to be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Hybrid at a later stage?
Mahindra & Mahindra is currently evaluating hybrid powertrain for the Indian market, which is reported to debut on the XUV 3XO subcompact SUV in 2026. Other popular Mahindra SUVs might also be benefited with the new hybrid tech including this upcoming compact SUV. If launched, the new Mahindra compact SUV with hybrid powertrain will come at a later stage. It’s important to note that the carmaker hasn’t officially revealed the name and powertrain details of the model yet.
Thar Roxx-inspired design elements
Spy images suggest that the new Mahindra compact SUV will derive several design cues from the Thar Roxx such as the circular headlamps. It will carry a differently designed grille featuring Mahindra’s new logo, a new bumper and fog lamp assembly and a more upright nose. The SUV will also feature new flush fitting door handles, new multi-spoke alloy wheels, more prominent body cladding, squarish wheel arches, short overhangs, a tailgate mounted spare wheel and new vertically stacked taillamps.
