Due to the engine's longitudinal layout, a large part of the four-metre length is taken up by the engine bay, and it will be interesting to see how Mahindra optimises the space in the cabin. Another fact that has emerged recently is that Mahindra will have a seven-seat version of the Quanto! Yes, seven seats! You can clearly see the rear step for the seven-seat version in the spy picture.
But wouldn't seven seats be too cramped in such a small car? Sure, it's likely to be as tight as a pill-box in the back, but Mahindra has its reasons for wanting a seven-seater certificate. While seat comfort may not be fantastic, the presence of the rear seats means the Quanto can be registered as a commercial vehicle (with a yellow number plate under the N1 category), and that means it can get away with meeting lower emissions norms.
It is also likely to be powered by a small-capacity 1500cc diesel to help it take advantage of sub-four-metre-car excise benefits. Mahindra has dropped one cylinder from its 2.2-litre mHawk engine and reduced the bore and stroke as well to get it below 1500cc.
Still, the downscaled engine develops around 100bhp and is mated to an all-new, five-speed manual transmission. Reducing the engine's capacity was a challenge for M&M.
The longitudinal engine layout creates higher NVH levels compared to a conventional transverse layout because the engine is now closer to the passengers; the prop shaft contributes to high noise and vibration levels. But Mahindra has reportedly gotten over these problems, according to a source from the company.
One cannot underestimate the potential of the Quanto, purely from a value-for-money angle. With just 12 percent excise on cars under 4000mm and common components shared with the Xylo, the Quanto or mini-Xylo promises to have a very aggressive price tag, somewhere between Rs 4.5 to 5.5 lakh.
Somewhat attractive to look at, unique in execution and positioning and well suited to the requirements of the Indian market, the Quanto is the next big/small thing from Mahindra and Mahindra.
The biggest challenge for M&M, however, will be attracting buyers of family cars. With MPVs like the Ertiga raising the benchmark and levels of expectation as far as quality is concerned, can Mahindra's baby win the hearts of everyday car buyers?
