Spied - IAB reader snaps the Mahindra P601 LCV with varying wheelbases up close

IAB reader Mr. Jeevagan has spotted a pair of Mahindra P601 LCV test mules on the side of a road near Chennai, sporting varying wheelbases. From the looks of it, the P601 is a size smaller than the Mahindra Maxximo and seems to have the Tata Ace Zip and the Tata Ace as intended rivals.

Spyshots indicate that the P01 would be available in two body lengths with varying wheelbases and loading bay volume. Though the angle of the photograph and the camouflage make distinguishing difficult, a close observation of the chassis member that carries the spare wheel confirms that the second mule is slightly longer than the first one.

The cabin appears to be spacious and previous spyshots indicate that the basic interior borrows a few elements from the Maxximo and has a dashboard-mounted gear lever. The front fascias of the test mules are incomplete with makeshift circular headlights.

The P601, like the Ace Zip and Ace, is expected to be have a payload of 600 kg and 750 kg. It would be positioned between the Mahindra Gio and the Maxximo as an intra-city cargo mover. Powertrain details are sketchy but Mahindra could use a new diesel engine producing power in the range of 10-20 bhp.

The Mahindra P601 would enter production at the automaker's new facility that would come up at Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu. The plant is expected to be operational sometime in 2015-16 and will also make the upcoming Mahindra S101 mini SUV.