Zeebiz BureauMumbai: Auto major Mahindra and Mahindra has launched its smallest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Quanto on Indian roads Thursday.
The Quanto is a sub-four metre car, making it one of the smallest SUVs in the country, is powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine, churning out a peak power of 100 bhp with a maximum torque of 240 Nm.
The SUV has an ARAI certified mileage of 17.2 km/litre. The Quanto is built on a body-on-ladder chassis borrowed from the Xylo MPV.
Cars or SUVs that measures up to four meters in length qualify for 12 percent excise tax. Mahindra currently manufactures the Xylo utility vehicle on the same Ingenio platform.
The M&M compact SUV Quanto will be available in four trim levels and priced between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 7.57 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Key FeaturesGiven below is the list of variants and their prices2012 Mahindra Quanto C2 - Rs 5.82 lakh2012 Mahindra Quanto C4 - Rs 6.35 lakh2012 Mahindra Quanto C6 - Rs 6.86 lakh2012 Mahindra Quanto C8 - Rs 7.36 lakhThe Quanto entry level C2 price pits the compact SUV straight at the B+ segment hatchbacks of India like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, the Ford Figo and the Hyundai i20.
The Quanto engine is a derivative of the M2Di, but with three cylinders. It will displace 1398 or 1399cc, which brings it well within the 1.5-litre mandate to qualify for the second excise benefit.
Quanto comes one year after the XUV500, which have given M&M robust volumes since January. XUV500’s success has forced production ramp up for M&M’s SUV.
Industry experts believe that the car will face off against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ritz in terms of pricing.
The President of Mahindra and Mahindra, automotive & farm equipment sectors, Pawan Goenka exclaimed that the Quanto will offer exciting upgrade to customers who are either looking for diesel hatchbacks and entry level diesel sedans.
With Agency Inputs
First Published: Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 10:34