Mahindra Quanto review, test drive

Mahindra brings hatch benefits to a compact SUV, but does it work? Read our comprehensive instrumented review.

The Quanto isn't a scaled down Xylo, but essentially the same MPV with its tail chopped off. The result is awkward proportions, accentuated by the tall, 1.9-metre height and the short four-metre length. M&M has carried over as much from the Xylo as possible and hence the Quanto's front has the same 'raised-eyebrow' headlights and a similar bumper. A new lip above the toothy front grille, as well as a more defined 'V' on the bonnet lends differentiation.

The front and rear doors are also carried over from the Xylo and hence the similarity extends right up to the C pillars. However, M&M has given the Quanto some distinct SUV design cues, like blackened D pillars, roof rails, footboards and the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate (it gets an anti-theft lock too). Crucially, the spare wheel's dimensions are not counted when measuring the length of a car.

The Quanto and Xylo share the same 2760mm wheelbase, which suggests there is no compromise on space for the first two rows. The Quanto also uses 15-inch wheels, but the narrower and lower-profile tyres (65 profile versus the Xylo's 75) further enhance the car's top-heavy stance. The Quanto is 535mm shorter than the Xylo and a big advantage of shedding so much metal is that it weighs a considerable 190kg less. However, at 1640kg, it is still unduly heavy for such a compact vehicle.

Performance

Powering the Quanto is a 1493cc, three-cylinder version of the powerful and capable 2.2-litre mHawk common-rail diesel engine. M&M engineers concentrated on insulating the cabin from noise and vibration and, for the most part, the Quanto is pleasantly refined. The engine settles down to a smooth idle and there's only a hint of pitter-patter from the three-cylinder motor.

While 98.6bhp of power and 24.5kgm of torque from the small-capacity engine may not appear generous, the well-judged gearing and the two-stage turbocharger (a first on this class of car) results in impressive driveability. The engine hits a sweet spot from as low as 1600rpm and there is a linear and strong tug all the way past 3000rpm, making the Quanto ideal for low-speed and in-traffic driving. Trundling along in third gear at 30-40kph, you need just a gentle squeeze of the throttle to ease past slower cars. However, the superb low-speed driveability comes at the cost of top-end punch. Even the mid-range isn't particularly strong. The rubbery gearshift doesn't feel great either, but it's something you cannot avoid during quick overtaking manoeuvres. The shortfall in grunt requires a downshift or two.

Also, the three-cylinder diesel thrum becomes more apparent once you get past the 2500rpm mark and is hard to shake off at high revs. In fact, revving the engine to its 4600rpm redline is pointless as, in the last 1500rpm, it only gets more vocal without adding any pace. You feel the shortfall of power most when you load up the Quanto with a full complement of passengers or when powering up a hill road. For the record, the Quanto takes a leisurely 16 seconds to reach 100kph and reaches a top speed of 143kph.

Ride and handling

The modest top speed is a good thing, because the Quanto's high-speed handling doesn't inspire confidence. The top-heavy SUV tends to rock and never feels settled. The steering, which isn't exactly bristling with feel or accuracy, doesn't help either. Grip levels are pretty good, but that only accentuates the excessive body roll which, along with the tendency to pitch on an uneven surface, makes the Quanto a bit of a handful on any road that isn't smooth and straight.

In the city, the Quanto is much better behaved. The ride is still fidgety and never feels settled, but the way it tackles potholes and bumps is quite impressive. The suspension works quietly and insulates the cabin from road shock and, at low speeds, the ride is quite comfy. Factor in the Quanto's compact footprint and high seating position, and you get a vehicle that is well suited to the daily urban grind.

Interiors

The lofty seating position, huge glass area and low window line give the insides a very airy ambience, underscored by the incredibly generous amount of space. The middle row is particularly roomy, but the seatback is a bit too upright and the cushioning is a bit too flat and hard. As for the last pair of seats, the side-facing position, tight space, knees-up seating position and near-vertical backrests make these usable only for short drives and their safety in the event of a rear impact is questionable.

With all rows in place, luggage space is pretty limited. Fold the last two seats, however, and you get a reasonably big boot. In fact, Mahindra has done well when it comes to storage space around the cabin - there's a useful box under the driver's seat, foldable trays for the middle-seat passengers, and space below the second-row seat that is good to store two soft bags.

For the price, the Quanto is quite well equipped and comes with essential features like a two-DIN, USB, SD Card and Aux-equipped music system, power steering, two airbags and ABS. The dashboard, a carryover from the Xylo, houses the Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS) that gives you information on your distance to empty, average fuel economy and outside temperature.

The overall fit and finish of the interiors is quite disappointing, thanks to sharp edges, inconsistent panel gaps and ill-fitting rubber beading and the Quanto fails to keep pace in terms of quality.

Fuel efficiency

Despite its considerable weight and cliff-like aerodynamics, the Quanto was surprisingly fuel efficient, and though it's nowhere near as frugal as a hatchback, it acquitted itself quite well with figures of 11.4kpl in the city and 16.1kpl on the highway. A fuel tank capacity of 55 litres gives it a practical range of over 700km on the highway between fills.

Verdict

The Quanto is a bit of a mixed bag and it depends on how you view it. Its keen pricing allows it to compete with several hatchbacks and it also makes an interesting alternative to one. The Quanto may not have the sophistication or finesse of a modern hatch, nor is it as frugal or easy to drive. But for sheer practicality, it's hard to beat. Its well-equipped cabin is shockingly spacious and the additional two seats in the rear (which we feel are best left unused) could be crucially important for many. Yes, the dynamics are unresolved and the cabin quality is not up to scratch, but what makes the Quanto special is its lofty driving position, massive ground clearance and sturdy underpinnings, which allow this compact SUV to go where no hatchback would dare to.

Fact File

What it costs
Ex-showroom (Delhi) ₹5.9-7.57lakh

Engine
Fuel Diesel
Installation Front, longitudinal
Type 3cyls, 1493cc, common-rail turbo diesel
Bore/stroke 83.0/92.0mm
Compression ratio 18.5:1
Valve gear 4 valves per cyl DOHC
Power 98.6bhp at 3750rpm
Torque 24.5kgm at 1600-2800rpm
Power to weight 60.1bhp per tonne
Torque to weight 14.9kgm per tonne

Transmission
Type rear-wheel drive
Gearbox 5-speed manual

Dimensions
Length 3985mm
Width 1850mm
Height 1880mm
Wheel base 2760mm

Chassis & Body
Construction Five-door, body on frame chassis, SUV
Weight 1640kg
Tyres 205/65R15
Spare Full size

Suspension
Front Independent, double wishbones, coil-springs, stabiliser bar
Rear Non-independent, five-link, coil springs

Steering
Type Rack and pinion
Type of power assist Hydraulic
Turning circle 10.8m

Brakes
Front Ventilated discs
Rear drums
Anti-lock Yes

Performance
0-20 1.63
0-40 3.53
0-60 6.43
0-80 10.20
0-100 16.00
0-120 24.00
0-140 37.12

Economy
City 11.4kpl
Highway 16.1kpl
Tank size 55 litres