Mahindra Set To Launch 4X4 Quanto

The Mahindra Quanto compact SUV will soon get a four wheel drive version. Auto enthusiasts have spotted four wheel drive versions of the Quanto being tested on the outskirts of Pune. The 4X4 Quanto is expected to be the new top end model very much similar to the Mahindra XUV 500 AWD.

All the compact SUVs available in the market along with the slightly larger Renault Duster are now available only in 2XD. This had lead to criticism that all these new Compact SUVs just offer the looks of an SUV but not the performance.

Mahindra is now trying to correct the notion by offering the Quanto with a 4X4 variant. The 4X4 Quanto is expected to help face upcoming compact SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport. Renault India is also planning to launch a 4X4 version of its Duster in a few months.

Mahindra Quanto

Apart from the four wheel drive system, the Quanto 4X4 is also said to be powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine which is capable of delivering a peak power of 120bhp with a maximum torque output of 280Nm. The Quanto's four wheel drive version could soon follow the XUV 500 to the export markets too.

While a more powerful Quanto with a larger engine can be considered as a good car for the power hungry, there are some disadvantages too. The Quanto 4X4 will be heavier than the two wheel drive variants thanks to its four wheel drive system and heavier 2.2 litre engine. This will mean this variant could offer a lower mileage along with slower acceleration. To add to this the Quanto will no longer considered to be a compact car once it is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine.

The Indian government rules stipulate a compact car measuring under four metres cannot be powered a diesel engine larger than 1.5 litres. This will mean the Quanto 4X4 will not get the excise tax benefits that the current variant gets. The Quanto 4x4's price will be higher too with a price hike of about Rs.75,000.

We have to wait and see how Mahindra will handle the pricing of the Quanto 4X4.

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Article Published On: Saturday, February 2, 2013, 12:50 [IST]
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