Mahindra’s ‘Quanto’ leap of faith

Indian auto major Mahindra and Mahindra launched yet another model in the MUV segment called ‘Quanto’ making it the smallest MUV in its stable. At under four metres this small wonder is definitely going to make heads turn. Ammar Alvi has more.

Powered by a 1.5 litre mCR100 diesel engine, the Quanto’s refined engine produces 100 hp with a maximum torque of 240 Nm which is good enough for a vehicle this size.

After getting a phenomenal response to Xylo and MUV500, Mahindra has been working on a strategy to use the same platform to manufacture more vehicles and Quanto is a good result.

The company also ensured that it falls under four metre length so that it can avail of the tax benefits and pass it on to the consumers. The seven-seater mini Xylo as it is becoming known is priced at Rs 5.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane), while the top-end model comes at a steep Rs 7.36 lakh. The new MUV sits pretty well in the new small MUV segment created by it and the likes of Suzuki Ertiga and Renault Duster. The company which is heavily into exports of its vehicles also plans to export the new Quanto to Europe and South Africa.

According to Pawan Goenka, President, M&M Automotive and Farm Equipment Division, “The launch of Quanto, our first compact SUV, is another defining moment in our automotive journey. For the Mahindra Group, the Quanto represents yet another example of our alternative thinking approach. It has been developed keeping in mind the evolving needs of our customers.”

Mahindra plans to manufacture around 2,500 units of Quanto in October and hopes to target around 25,000 units in a financial year. The company has a combined production capacity of 7,000 units per month for its Xylo and Quanto. It has invested `100 crore in developing the five-seater Quanto.