Mahindra Quanto: First Impressions

Opening

 Mahindra Quanto: First Impressions

Mahindra finally revealed the Mini version of the Xylo, the Quanto. The name Quanto has been derived from “Quantum” meaning space. Keeping the tradition of keeping names ending with “O”, the Quanto marks Mahindra’s foray in the compact SUV segment.

Ushering a new segment in the utility vehicle segment, the Quanto has already started reaping big bookings. We decided to do a first impression on this exciting compact SUV.  

Appearance Exterior

A first look at the Quanto and one can easily make out it’s the shorter version of Xylo. The front grill is built taking cues from the styling of XUV 500. Bottom portion of bumper is fitted with fog lamp and grill at middle portion for allowing air to flow. Bonnet is made bit short to make it fit into the hatchback category. The now trademark Mahindra logo sits at the centre creating two distinct lines splitting the front hood and the radiator grille.

The side view given an impression of a big hatchback making us wonder if the compact SUV can take on unfavorable terrains. We had a C8 variant for our first impression, which is offered with alloy wheels giving a better overall profile to the vehicle. The rear quarter glass is so small that it becomes difficult to believe that there is a third row seating for two passengers.

Spare tyre is directly fitted on the tail gate, which is of huge benefit. The top end variant has spare wheel covers on them with the Mahindra logo affixed on it. Overall the exteriors of the Quanto have been kept very balanced and do justice to be called a compact SUV.

Appearance Interior

As we have delved into the exteriors of the Quanto, the interiors too can be considered at par with the Xylo. The doors are wide and hence one can easily get in and out as required. There is ample legroom, head room for both first row and second row passengers.

The specialty of a third row is the availability of two separate opposite facing seats with good cushioning.  The legroom offered here is decent and not suitable for taller passengers. After closing the tail gate, it feels like a cage with the second row seating on one side and the door on the other. Practically, only a single passenger can seat in the third row.

Door handles are circular with a dash of chrome on it. There is a map reading lamp for the front row passengers and not for the rear. Glove box has a light embedded in it. Similar twin-in row cup holders beside the gear stick. All four doors have speakers attached to them at the bottom and also seen inside the Mahindra Quanto is the roof mounted glares holder.

Performance Drive

Mahindra Quanto comes with 3 cylinder 1493 cc engine delivering a power of 100bhp at 3750 rpm and a torque of 240Nm at 2800rpm. It is available in 4 variants which are C2,C4,C6 and C8.We took a test drive of C8 variant which is the top end variant and it features airbags, ABS, power windows etc.

Initially we had to wait for some time to take a test drive as there were lots of customers eagerly waiting for a take test drive of the same. I finally decided to hop on the driver’s seat and take the vehicle in crowded streets t test the maneuverability of the compact SUV.

While driving we had to face the stop and go traffic for about 15 mins. As the micro hybrid system switch was on, we were impressed with the way it helped us save fuel .If the engine senses idling at a particular place for long, it automatically kills ignition. The ignition is restarted on the press of the clutch and this happens very fast. The Micro hybrid can be activated-deactivated with a button provided on the central console.

The Mahindra Quanto has a good legroom and head room. The AC cools the cabin very quickly. Music system offers decent output if not phenomenal. Since the streets were crowded, we could manage to take it at a speed of 80kmph. The handling of the compact SUV is very like a normal hatchback which is a big plus of the Mahindra Quanto.

Ride height of the Mahindra Quanto is tall and the feedback that it gives is very similar to the Mahindra Xylo. The 5 speed manual transmission is not a very smooth unit. The Quanto being a tall vehicle offers the same body roll as its elder sibling Xylo.

Though it was a pretty short test drive, we could gauge the drive quality, comfort features and importance of micro hybrid system. Throughout our drive, the Mahindra Quanto gave us a fuel efficiency of 9.6 kmpl on busy crowded streets. We will be doing a detailed review of the Quanto where we can verify the mileage attained.

Tech Specs

Features

Competition All Specs

Conclusion

 With the Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki has already started a new segment of compact MUVs. Mahindra plans to repeat the same popularity with the Quanto. The Quanto is a welcome change over the massive SUVs hauling around. With time, the strength and popularity of the Quanto will prove if Mahindra has really marked an entry in the sub 4 metre SUVs.

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