The modern day car buyer in India has become quite knowledgeable and more pragmatic than before. These days, a person involves in a lot of analysis and contemplation before making a choice regarding which car to buy. As a result, any model being launched in the market has to stand up to the expectations of consumers in order to come up as a success. Currently, the Indian auto market is battling with the economic crisis, which has eventually resulted fall in demand. There are only a few segments that are managing to keep up with this situation.
Apart from hatchbacks, the compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment has been witnessing growth. MPVs are powerful, fuel efficient and spacious, offering the performance of a utility vehicle and the luxury of a sedan. Mahindra Quanto is a compact MPV that is powered by a 1.5 litre mCR100 diesel engine, which is capable of generating a maximum power output of 100 bhp with a peak torque of up to 240 Nm. In order to cater demands of different classes of buyers, it has been offered in four variants, namely C2, C4, C6 and C8. Termed as a chopped-on model of the Mahindra Xylo, Quanto has performed reasonably well in the Indian car market.
Mahindra Quanto C8, which is the top of the line variant, is loaded with several security features, such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), airbags, Intellipark Reverse assist, digital immobiliser and front fog lamps. Comfortable fabric seats with door trim fabric insert and adjustable headrest make interiors of Quanto a decent package, to embark on long trips.
Another compact MPV in the Indian car market is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which is the brand's first Life Utility Vehicle (LUV). The Ertiga has been offered in a price range from Rs. 6.03 lakh to Rs. 8.5 lakh and comes in three fuel options, namely diesel, petrol and CNG. The petrol models of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga delivers a mileage of around 16 kmpl, whereas the diesel and CNG models render 20.77 kmpl and 22.8 kmpl, respectively.
Seeing the rise in demand for compact MPVs, Honda is planning to launch its new MPV, which will be based on the Brio platform. The company is looking forward to introduce the Brio-based MPV in the Indonesian market before finally bringing it to India. It is expected to come in diesel and petrol variants, which will be equipped with 1.5 litre and 1.2 litre engines, respectively. The petrol version of the Honda Brio MPV is expected to generate an output of 88 bhp, along with a maximum torque of up to 109 Nm.
