Mahindra is betting big on the utility vehicle market in India, with the introduction of the compact SUV Quanto. The new vehicle from the Mahindra’s stable is due for launch on the 20th of September and has arrived at a few dealer stock yards already. The Quanto is placed in the sub 4-metre category, and is based on the Ingenio platform, same as that of the Xylo. In fact, the Mahindra Quanto has also been termed as a Mini-Xylo, since most of its exterior design features have been derived from the proven MPV. Falling under the sub 4-metre category qualifies the Quanto to the excise duty cuts. So if Mahindra prices the Quanto competitively, it could be seen making profits for the company.
Unlike the 2.2-litre engine in the Xylo, the Quanto will sport a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine named as mCR100. This engine will produce a maximum power of 100 BHP and 240 Nm of torque. It will be launched in five-seater and seven-seater variants, which will be an added advantage over the segment competitors like the Renault Duster and Premier Rio. For the seven-seater variant, the third row will have two side-facing jump seats, which can be folded to double up as luggage space. The interiors too would be more or less the same as the Xylo, maybe with new color combinations. Mahindra will launch the vehicle in four variants, with the top end C8 variant to get safety features like dual airbags, ABS, parking sensors and steering mounted controls.
Mahindra has a good reputation as far as build quality and ruggedness of its vehicles are concerned. So, the reliability of the Quanto can be trusted. All this, along with a good price tag would position the Quanto well in the market. The rumoured price range of the vehicle is between Rs. 6-8 lakh rupees. Overall, the Quanto can be defined as a spacious, well equipped, value for money compact utility vehicle. However it remains to be seen if the driving dynamics are more car like or Xylo like.
Pictures Source – Team-BHP
