Mahindra targets new generation with compact SUV 
Kolkata, Sept 21 (IBNS)
Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. (M and M), a part of the US USD 15.4 billion Mahindra Group, unveiled the newly launched India's first compact and versatile SUV Quanto here on Friday keeping in mind what it called the new generation's ultra and active weekend lifestyle.
"Quanto is an affordable vehicle for those who aspire to purchase an SUV. It can be driven easily on weekdays because of its compactness in size and will enable to lead an active lifestyle especially for outing on weekends," said Ranjan Kumar Mitra, Product Strategy and NPD.
The Quanto is built on completely indigenous equipments as well as in-house by Mahindra in Nasik, and is an outcome of the need gap identified from the customer insights pointing to the need for a compact yet affordable SUV which would aid in providing a sporty, rich and macho look, informed officials.
The Quanto which is essentially India's first body on frame sub 4m compact SUV is highly spacious being 5+2 seater, a first in sub 4m segment having the first twin stage 1.5 litre turbo- mCR100 engine, green edge with Micro hybrid technology, excellent fuel efficiency of 17.2 KMPL and meets BS4 emission level in all cities.
Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. said, "The launch of Quanto, our first compact SUV, is another defining moment in our automotive journey."
"For the Mahindra Group, the Qaunto represents yet another example of our alternative thinking approach. It has been designed keeping in mind the evolving needs of our customer. I am confident the Quanto will create a new category within the SUV segment while offering a unique value proposition to our customers," he said.
The Quanto, which is already launched in Mumbai, will be available nationally at Mahindra dealerships with four distinct and attractive variants- C2, C4, C6 and C8 with prices ranging from Rs 6.22 lac to Rs 7.83 lac (ex-showroom, Kolkata) for the fully loaded top end C8 model.
"Quanto is derived from Quantum which means 'more', which enables the customers to have more space, more luxury and more enjoyment," added Mitra.
The choice for SUVs were but obvious for Mahindra which seized a whopping market share as good as 57pc of the SUVs where the national growth for UVs have been 19.5pc as a car industry and 45pc globally, officials said.
The company aims to source its income from the Hatchbacks, SUVs and Sedans with a record of 1 lac Boleros, 50,000 Scorpios and 30,000 Xylos been sold last year and a selling record of 4,000 SUVs per month while the Quanto would enhance their dominance in the market.
The Senior General Manager Sales, Atul Sinha apprised, "The Quanto is a blend of the compactness and convenience of a car and the toughness and ruggedness of a Mahindra DNA for high ground clearance of 180 mm for go anywhere capability and fun lifestyle."
Not limiting to the toughness, the interiors have also been styled to cushion the urbanized target customers with distinct rear look, robust new front fascia with trendy fog lamps, contoured tail lamps, sporty roof rails, convenient footsteps, masculine side moulding and three rows with the third one being fold-able.
The company has ensured the safety measures with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Intellipark Reverse Assist, engine immobilizer and most importantly 16,000 hours of test driving on muddy lands to rugged terrains, added the officials.
To add to the peppy feel, the models are available in six attractive colours- diamond white, fiery black, toreador red, java brown, mist silver and rocky beige along with two tone granite themed dashboard, 2-DIN music system, ample utility spaces like five bottle holders, snack trays and under seat storage.
All the models being 1.5L, 3 cylinder diesel engine provides a mileage of 17.2 km per hour, an output of 100bhp, a massive 240nm of torque and a softening rate of interest so as to immune themselves from the diesel hike phenomenon, said the officials.
Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automobile Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. stated,"The Quanto offers aspirational and distinctive SUV styling, superior technology and convenience along with best in class features, all of which make it attractive to the younger buyer who leads an active lifestyle. Its compact size and versatility, at an affordable price, makes this product very unique and innovative."