Amidst immense buzz in the media circle, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited, India's largest Utility Vehicle (UV) maker, launched its compact Sports Utility vehicle (SUV) Quanto in the domestic car market. Indian car enthusiasts have to shell out Rs. 5.82 lacs (ex-showroom, Thane) from their pockets, in order to get behind the wheels of the newly launched Quanto SUV. Further, the car is available in four variants and the top-end model fetches a price tag of Rs. 7.36 lacs.
The Quanto is the M&M's maiden product in the sub-4 metre length category and also is one of the tiniest SUVs available in the Indian car market. Contrary to its compact design, the car boasts of a seating capacity of seven adults and is available in six colour options comprising Java Brown, Rocky Beige, Toreador Red, Diamond White, Mist Silver and Fiery Black.
Coming to under the hood specifications, the 2012 Mahindra Quanto features a 1493 cc 3-cylinder mCR100 diesel power-mill that churns out peak power-torque output of 100 bhp and 240 Nm. The Common Rail diesel engine is assimilated with a 5-speed indirect manual transmission system.
The compact SUV segment in the country recorded the bulk of sales of the Indian passenger car market in the last few months with Renault Duster chalking up more than 15,000 bookings in a span of just two months, a statistic that baffled the industry economists to great extent. The latest product from the stable of Mahindra couldn't have come at a better time, as the Indian festival period is just round the corner and car enthusiasts of the country are again heading towards the car showrooms in the country.
Commenting at the launch, Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Equipment, M&M, proclaimed that the new Quanto should not encounter capacity problems faced by XUV500 SUV. Goenka also hinted about a new development from the company's arsenal, towards establishing a brand new production plant in the country, but decided not to divulge any details. According to Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, M&M, the auto maker is planning to expand its global reach by venturing into European and South African auto markets.
The 2012 Mahindra Quanto's well thought sub-4 metre length compact design enables it to escape the 27 per cent excise duty usually levied on SUVs and its Indian buyers have to pay only 12 per cent excise duty. In August 2012, Goenka had said, “With the Quanto, Mahindra is aiming to fill a need gap in the Indian automotive market for a versatile and compact SUV. We expect the Quanto to offer an exciting upgrade at a premium to customers who are otherwise looking for premium diesel hatchbacks or entry level diesel sedans.”
Reportedly, M&M is anticipating initial sales of 1,500-2,000 units of Quanto compact SUV every year. The company's all-diesel fuelled product portfolio has helped it in leaving behind the likes of well established domestic auto players Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, in terms of sales.
