Spied - IAB reader snaps the Mahindra P601 testing

To target the Tata Ace range.

The Mahindra P601 LCV has been testing around the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai since early this year, and here is another set of spyshots of the upcoming goods carrier, sent to us by IAB reader Mr. Ram.

The early test mules used pre-production body panels but going by recent spyshots, Mahindra appears to have finalized the design which incorporates dumbell shaped headlamps with integrated blinkers. The cabin borrows numerous components from the Maxximo Plus, and a dashboard-mounted gear lever frees up a bit more knee room.

The LCV is expected to be available in two wheelbases which means the payload capacities of the variants could range between 600 kg - 1,000 kg. The product would have Tata's popular range of Ace LCVs as its primary competition.

Likely to be based on a new platform, the P601 could either derive its motor from the Maxximo Plus's 909 cc twin-cylinder engine or use a new powerplant.

Also read: Mahindra Scorpio, Xylo, XUV500 and Bolero recalled

The readiness of the test mule suggests that the launch could happen next year, perhaps in the second half. Initial reports indicated that the P601 will enter production at the company's proposed Cheyyar plant alongside the S101 mini SUV but considering that there is no news on the facility, Mahindra would use one of its existing plants for the first phase of the cargo carrier's series production.