Mahindra Quanto to sparkle at Indian showrooms on September 20

Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), country's largest Utility Vehicle (UV) maker, is all prepared to introduce its compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Quanto, in the Indian auto industry. Launch of the model is slated for September 20, 2012 and will be targeted towards those buyers who have a penchant for premium hatchbacks and entry-level sedans. Post launch, Quanto will be the smallest SUV in the portfolio of the auto maker.

The upcoming model is designed on the manufacturing platform of Xylo MPV within a length of sub-4 metre, which will help the company to enjoy the lower tax benefits and price its new offering aggressively. Reportedly, the company will offer Quanto as a five seater; however two butterfly seats will be provided in the boot, which can be used to make the vehicle a seven seater, if required. The upcoming Quanto is expected to hold a 1.5 litre three cylinder mHawk diesel engine, churning out a peak power of 100 bhp with a maximum torque of 240 Nm.

Industry experts believe that the car will face off against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ritz in terms of pricing. Quanto is believed to enter the Indian auto market with a price tag of around Rs. 4.75 lacs and thus, all the three models fall in a similar price range. Swift and Ritz are known as premium hatchbacks and boast off several comforts and luxury features, which will enable them to stand against Quanto as the comparison on the technical grounds will not be a justice. Quanto's powerful 1.5 litre engine will enable the model to emerge as a clear chit winner on technical specifications as Maruti and Ritz both contains a 1.3 litre engine. On the other hand, comfort features packed within Quanto are still to be rolled out by the company as no official information regarding the same has went on air.

On the introduction of this compact SUV with such aggressive pricing, analysts have to say that any comments before the launch will not be justified. They believe that the impact of Quanto's launch in India will not just limit to compact SUV segment, but will be felt by other segments too. The new model from M&M will surely lure the sales of premium hatchbacks and entry-level sedans, making the situation difficult for other auto makers.