Quote:
Originally Posted by suhaas307 What seems to have gone completely unnoticed is the massive slide in the Mahindra Quanto's sales. June onwards, the Quanto fell to 3-digits from a healthy 4 that it had been registering, up to that point. The Quanto has absolutely nothing going for it. It's ride / handling is averaged-poor at best, its utilitarian feel totally kills the purpose of owning a compact SUV for the city, it seriously lacks refinement and it just looks like an abomination. Sorry, Mahindra! Please try again later. Thank you. |
I am sorry, but will have to disagree on some points.
I own a mahindra quanto and new ford fiesta (on which the eco-sport is based).
Let me clarify one thing in advance: the eco-sport is a better built vehicle and is better in overall finesse. I have no doubts.
Pro's for the quanto:
-space
-boot (remove the rear most seats, which I did)
-abuse taking capability
-engine!
-smaller than its sibling, and hence much more easier in the city.
Cons:
-well it is a mahindra. It won't be as well put together (as in panel gaps). And it will have some unique problems too.
-looks (subjective though).
-ride quality (again subjective, and actally improves with age).
-mahindra is not very confident of it's engine yet (seen by the 50k kms warranty) compared to the m-hawks, DI's and XD3P engine.
Now, both the cars are driven only in the city (bombay), and strangely enough, I have always preferred the quanto to drive and be driven around in. Some very good reasons: it makes you feel as if you are in a SUV, it is rugged and can handle the roads in India without a fuss, and is overall much more spacious. It is fairly easier to maneuver this car in the city. And I am a sedan/hatch lover!
You have to sit and drive this vehicle. It is so much forgiving, and that just makes it more stress-free to drive. No more worrying about that huge speed-bump/pothole/moon-crater.. just drive through it. No more worrying about that auto/biker for scratches..most of the times they avoid you.. and when they do scratch it.. hey it is cheap! Broke that ORVM.. no problemo..cheap to fix and if not that, just replace it (cheaply). On the NVH aspect, again the 3 pot is extremely refined (ford's is better though), and will never be harsh so as to trouble you. The tyre noise is in-fact much better controlled in the quanto. Otherwise, the vibrations are more in quanto, but I have never felt them to be intrusive to my peace.
You'll be by default a lot more careful while going on the semi-urban, rural areas in India (have you seen aurangabad roads off late?) in the ford. Not so with the quanto. It can just take all of those for breakfast. The ride is stiffer than the eco-sport and fiesta, however, but it won't be so much of a problem if you are in the front seats. In fact, my parents (in their late 50's), are more comfortable in the quanto! I cannot fathom why though. My dad says, although it is a little more jumpy than the ford, but still the it is not that un-comfortable.
In the city confines, I would say size wise although the quanto is bigger than the ford, but from a driver's perspective, you'll be more comfortable driving the quanto. Driveability wise, they will be more or less the same (eco-sport will have an edge because of the vibrations @1800 rpms in quanto), but it will not be a deal breaker for the majority. Handling-wise, the eco-sport wins hands down..BUT do you think that matters in the city and for that matter even on the highway (where even in the eco-sport you are going to be careful due to its high GC)? The quanto's highway manners are accpetable for most part. The enthusiast always cribs for more power, better handling (like me) etc., but for the real world, for the majority, it is accpetable.
Looks-wise, well it depends on individuals. I for one, find the eco-sport as a fashion accessory. The euphoria will die out sooner or later. It doesn't do anything good, it's only the price which makes it attractive. I believe the quanto is a much more honest and purpose built vehicle and for that matter much better priced as well.
Gadgetry wise, the ford wins hands down, however, the quanto is actually well-specced too.
I honestly don't see why the quanto is not selling well. It ticks most of the boxes for the Indian buying public. I for one will recommend everyone to take a test-drive for this car before deciding.
Thanks,
Simple_car