Mahindra has launched the Quanto compact SUV in India right now. We are at the launch and have already got our hands on the brochure. The Mahindra Quanto is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, mCR100 diesel engine with Micro Hybrid technology. The 1493cc motor uses a twin-stage turbo to produce 100 BHP of peak power at 3750 RPM and 240 Nm of peak torque between 1600-2800 RPM. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Quanto has disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The Quanto’s suspension is an independent double wishbone, coil springs with anti-roll bar at the front and five-bar link coil springs at the rear.
The Mahindra Quanto has a turning radius of 5.4-metres with a ground clearance of 180 mm. It is a 7-seater (5+2) and runs on 205/65/R15 tubeless tyres with the top-end C8 variant getting mini XUV wheels. The fuel tank capacity is 55-litres and weight is 1640 kgs. Mahindra has loaded the Quanto with almost all the features found on the Xylo including ABS, EBD, dual airbags, reverse assist system, 2-din audio system, granite themed dashboard, digital drive assist system, digital immobilizer, rear wiper and washer. There are no steering mounted audio controls or leather seats. The Mahindra Quanto returns an ARAI certified mileage of 17.21 km/l. The Quanto is available in 6 colors – black, brown, beige, red, silver and white.
The Mahindra Quanto is available in four variants – C2, C4, C6 and C8. The base C2 variant seems to be targeted at the taxi segment as it doesn’t get body colored bumpers, grill and door handle. Nor does it get spare wheel cover and side/rear foot steps. The top end model is loaded though and even the C6 variant has decent list of equipment. The Quanto has 5 bottle holders and 6 magazine pockets. Both the C6 and C8 variants get ABS, EBD, front fog lamps, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, puddle lamps on side footsteps, fiery black painted front grille, foldable snack tray, driver under seat storage and side body moulding. Micro Hybrid technology is available on C4, C6 and C8 variants.
Mahindra Quanto Prices (ex-showroom, Thane) –
* Quanto C2 – Rs. 5.82 lakhs
* Quanto C4 – Rs. 6.35 lakhs
* Quanto C6 – Rs. 6.86 lakhs
* Quanto C8 – Rs. 7.36 lakhs
Pointers From The Press Conference –
* Mahindra Quanto is a mini SUV and is also the most spied car
* The vehicle is based on the Ingenio platform
* Smallest twin-turbo engine yet. Complies with BSIII and BSIV emission norms
* Rexton is confirmed for launch later this year
* Mahindra is targeting young and married couples with the Quanto
* Females want compact car but males wants SUV, the Quanto is a mixture of both
* Quanto being compared with hatchbacks
* Mahindra wants buyers to live the weekend lifestyle
* The word Quanto is derived from the word Quantum, which means more. Thus the name Quanto was chosen as the vehicle offer more fun, more space and more fun to drive
* New transmission. Remote shift, not top mounted
* Mahindra has tested the Quanto rigorously all over, in different weather and on all types of roads
* Micro Hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption by 5%
* Ladder frame over monocoque
* Comparison to Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, DZire and Renault Duster! Quanto has 2 more seats than the Duster
* Quanto starts at Rs. 5.82 lakhs, while DZire is priced at Rs. 6.28 lakhs
* Production of 7000 units a month, less waiting period. Available all over India immediately
* Less than Rs. 100 crore spent on Quanto development as it uses the same platform of the Xylo
* Small amount of cannibalization expected with other Mahindra products (Verito and Xylo)
* Mahindra to export Quanto to Europe and Africa after Indian demand is met
* mHawk engine will be used in export models
* mHawk engine to power 4-wheel drive Quanto in India
