Mahindras Tata HBX Rival Spotted Testing In Mahindra Thar Promotional Video

• Features a silhouette similar to Tata's upcoming HBX micro SUV.

• Could be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the KUV100.

• Likely to be priced around Rs 5.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

• It could launch sometime around 2021.

As things stand, in the micro-SUV segment, Mahindra only sells the KUV100 NXT in a price range of Rs 5.57 lakh to Rs 7.26 lakh (ex-showroom). But since the first-gen KUV100 (launched in 2016) is nearly the end of its life cycle, it looks like a replacement model is in the works. A test mule has been spotted testing in a Mahindra Thar promotional video indicating the same.

KUV100 NXT images used for representational purposes

The prototype model that makes an appearance at the 45 second mark certainly seems to have an SUV-like silhouette but not something as large as an. In fact the design seems to lean more towards the Tata HBX.

KUV100 NXT images used for representational purposes

Since it looks like a micro-SUV, it might also borrow the 1.2-litre mFalcon G80 petrol engine from the. It develops 82PS of power and 115Nm of torque and is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Mahindra has announced that it will not offer a diesel engine in its entry-level offering, so the KUV100's replacement should be a petrol-only model. The upcoming Tata HBX will also be a petrol-only offering.

KUV100 NXT images used for representational purposes

Features could include a touchscreen infotainment system with Mahindra Bluesense app suite, USB charging, steering mounted controls and automatic climate control. Airbags, ISOFIX mountings, ABS + EBD and follow-me-home headlamps could be some of the safety equipment on offer.

Expect more details on this mystery SUV to surface in the coming months, with prices likely to be at par with the KUV100 NXT at around Rs 5.50 lakh for the entry-level variant. Also expect similar rivals in the form of the. It is likely to have its market launch in 2021.