Mahindra Quanto (2015) Review

It’s our first Mahindra to test and we get to grips with the Indian-built Quanto SUV.

The Indian car-maker announced the Quanto almost three years ago, but only recently has it been made available to the South African market. The Mahindra Quanto is based on the Xylo MPV, but visually its a bit of an oddball. The proportions are strange and it looks like a top-heavy rollerskate. Despite its compact SUV size, it tips the scale at around 1600kg – heavy for a vehicle in this class.

Diesel Powerplant

Powering the Mahindra Quanto is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine. It has 88 kW and 290 Nm, which is just about adequate. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. There’s no 4×4 option, which is a shame because the Mahindra Quanto boasts a reasonable ground clearance of 186mm.

Mahindra claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.6L/100km and the tank capacity beats that of most hatchbacks at 55 litres. This engine is Euro II compliant, meaning readily available 500 ppm diesel can be chucked in the tank and you’re not restricted by the limited availability of the greener 50ppm diesel.

Beige Interior

Step inside the cabin and you’ll encounter a sea of beige. I’ll never understand the obsession with boring beige… Anyway, there’s seating for five and plenty of headroom and legroom. Spec wise, you’re getting the basics like air conditioner, CD/MP3/Radio audio system, electric windows all round as well as some handy power sockets to charge devices. There’s also a trip computer located in the centre dash which, also has things like an outside temperature gauge.

Ride and Handling

The advantage of such a high driving position is that forward visibility is excellent, however there’s a feeling the Quanto will roll if you try take a corner at speed. It almost certainly wont roll but the top heavy build does cause it to lean substantially in the bends. It is being marketed as a budget SUV and the Mahindra Quanto comes with ABS and driver/passenger airbags, which ticks the basic safety box.

Driving the Mahindra Quanto is not the most pleasant of experiences. As mentioned earlier, it feels top heavy and that engine offers just enough power to get around. Overtaking requires planning as you need to change down a gear and get the engine into its sweet spot. I suspect the rubber on the 15-inch alloy wheels does not offer enough tarmac contact to ensure proper grip and the leaning, particular in windy conditions makes for a nervous driving experience. That said, the ride quality isn’t the worst and when road conditions are good, you get a smooth driving experience.

Summary and Conclusion

The only areas where the Mahindra Quanto truly excels is value for money, price tag and some clever practical touches in the cabin like the airline-style trays. For R214 995, you’re getting a big and spacious SUV. However, questionable build quality and poor finishes will ensure that the vast majority of the car-buying public will look towards the pre-owned market for a vehicle in this class.

Second Opinion

The Mahindra Quanto is big on space and small on price tag. The diesel engine is pretty decent but the long throw gearbox will keep you grafting as you wing through the gears. The ride is soft and there’s a fair amount of lean in the suspension that keeps you entertained in an unconventional manner. I can’t say I’d recommend the Quanto but the Xylo with even more space seems like a better option if you want a new, inexpensive SUV. – Ashley Oldfield

Mahindra Quanto Price in South Africa

The Mahindra Quanto costs R214 995 and the car comes with 3 year/100 000 km warranty and a 3 year/60 000 km service plan.

We Like: Cheap, interior space

We Don’t Like: Quality issues, top-heavy handling, beige interior.

Also Consider: Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster

See a comparison between the Mahindra Quanto, Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster here.

Mahindra Quanto Quick Specs