Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Limited, one of the largest Utility Vehicle (UV) maker of the country, has been working for quite some time on a new model for the Indian market notably, a compact version of Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Xylo. Amidst immense media interests and speculations around the upcoming Mahindra Mini Xylo, a new fact has come up about the company’s new compact SUV that the new model will be named as Quanto.
Reportedly, Quanto will be placed in the sub-four metre category, enabling it to be free from the 12 per cent tax policy, which is levied by the government on vehicles exceeding a length of four metres. This new product from the Mahindra’s portfolio will put the company in a well suited situation when most buyers are looking for a well-engineered compact SUV vehicle, priced economically.
Mahindra Quanto is anticipated to be launched somewhere in September this year with a base price of around Rs. 5 lacs, citing the company’s ambitious plans to take full control over the industry’s compact SUV segment. Earlier known as the 'Mini Xylo', the compact SUV shares the same ladder type frame construction of Xylo MPV. However, post launch, Quanto will be termed as the world's shortest ladder-chassis-based UV, except for some of the jeep-based off-roaders, which are features similar frame type.
Reportedly, Mahindra Quanto is expected to be a seven-seater, with third row seats being side foldable. Interiors are expected to be on similar lines with the current model of Xylo and in order to maintain Quanto's humble price bracket, Mahindra is planning to install a handful of industry-leading features in its top-end variant. The top variant of Quanto is slated to feature reverse parking sensors, six-spoke alloy wheels, steering mounted audio controls, dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and arm rest for the first two rows.
Analysing the yet-to-be launched model from Mahindra on technical grounds, it was found that the upcoming Quanto's engine has plenty of speculations surrounding it and nothing is for sure as of now. Analysts believe that the model will hold a modified mHawk 1.5 litre diesel engine mated to a new five-speed manual transmission system. It is speculated that the engine is developed after cropping the company’s 2.2 litre mHawk engine by removing one of its cylinders. Still, the curtailed engine will have the potential to churn out a maximum power of 100 bhp, which will be too impressive for a compact SUV.
It would be interesting to see how the Quanto fares in the highly competitive compact SUV market of the Indian auto industry. Besides, Mahindra's segment defining aggressive gesture by pricing Quanto around the Rs. 5 lacs price bracket would surely help the auto maker generating some significant buzz around the upcoming vehicle. The new Quanto looks smart as well as sharp and with Mahindra brand name, could be immensely successful in inspiring the sentiments of Indian compact SUV aspirants.
