Tasty M&Ms

Mahindra & Mahindra’s sprawling Expo stand had everything from electrics to CVs to the Mahindra-badged SsangYong

AVETERAN OF MANY EXPOS, Mahindra and Mahindra sure know how to stand out in a crowd. And this year they did it with the UDO, a stylish two-seater electric pod concept. But the pod was only one of many exhibits. Alongside the UDO, there was also the three-wheeled ATOM, Treo, e2o NXT and more.

Staying true to its ‘Future of Mobility’ theme, India’s largest SUV maker showcased a whole range of electric transport solutions. First among equals was of course the three-wheeled UDO, which does not require one to balance it like a conventional motorcycle. It is Mahindra's attempt at solving the problem of urban mobility. According to the company, this tandem 2-seater concept will help in decreasing traffic as well as pollution levels in the cities.

To ensure that it lives up to the lifestyle requirements of its urban consumers, the UDO gets an extensive creature comfort list including a climate control system, touchscreen infotainment and Bluetooth connectivity. There is also a pedal on the inside which can be used to recharge the on-board batteries.

The ATOM on the other hand is a lastmile connectivity solution. It is powered by Mahindra’s new electric powertrain which features batteries that can be swapped to extend the vehicle’s range, allowing it to operate uninterrupted for long hours.

Also on display was the three-wheeled Treo, the e2o NXT, which is a refreshed version of the e2oPlus electric hatchback; the eKUV100, India’s first electric mini SUV; and the e-Cosmo, the company’s new electric bus.

Mahindra also displayed the SsangYong G4 Rexton with Mahindra badging which will be launched with an all-new name in India. The G4 is SsangYong’s flagship SUV and has been doing well for the brand in international markets. It is powered by a 2.2-litre engine which pumps out 178bhp and 420Nm of maximum torque, which is paired with a seven-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission. The flagship SUV is likely to be offered with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. On the features front the G4 Rexton gets HID lamps, climate control, ventilated seats, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and leather seats. For safety, it will have up to 9 air bags and of course ABS. Once launched, the G4 Rexton would rival the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Isuzu MU-X.

Unveiled alongside the G4 was the TUV Stinger, a convertible SUV concept. In a hot, dusty, convertible-unfriendly market like ours, this quirky design garnered a lot of attention. The concept tries to blend the practicality of an SUV with the styling of a convertible. The Stinger is a heavily stylised version of the TUV300 using its ladder frame chassis and chopped body shell. Mahindra, however, has given it a lot more oomph. It’s powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel engine that makes 140bhp and 320Nm of torque.

The company’s customisation wing displayed their in-house modified cars, a Thar and a KUV100. Called the Thar Wanderlust, it sports 35-inch tyres, a wider bonnet and an expansive stance. There is no B-pillar but instead a space-frame structure with gullwing doors to improve ingress to the rear seats. The spare wheel is back-mounted and comes with a pair of jerry cans for extra fuel. Meanwhile, the KUV100 Adventure edition stands out with its wide body kit and Maxxis Victra MA-Z1 drift tyres.

Staying true to its ‘Future of Mobility’ theme, India’s largest SUV maker showcased a whole range of electric transport solutions