New Delhi, Aug 26: Mahindra has often insisted that it is not interested in developing a small car for the Indian market at this point in time. However, this may prove to be only partially true, as the company is well into putting a radically shortened version of its popular MPV, the Xylo, into the market, reports ‘Autocar India'.
Known widely as the mini-Xylo or the U203, it will be the first sub-four-metre mini-MPV in India and Autocar India has recently uncovered that it is to be called the Quanto; in-line with other Mahindra car models ending with an 'O'.
The Quanto will use the same basic structure as the Xylo. The same ladder-frame construction, a modified version of the mHawk diesel engine, a similar dashboard and similar suspension components as well.
It could, in all probability, also be the shortest ladder-chassis-based utility vehicle in the world, apart from some Jeep-based off-roaders.
The Quanto will have shorter front and rear overhangs-a smaller rear door and an almost Wagon R-like compact rear section with partly opening quarter glass. New bits at the rear include the tail-lights, a spare wheel that falls outside the 4000mm mark, and smaller wheels.
Because it's built on a shortened version of the Xylo's platform, the Quanto is likely to be stiffer than the regular car thanks to the reduced wheelbase. And that should make the Quanto ride and handle better than its softly-sprung stable mate, which tends to get all over the place at high speeds.
