SCOOP Pics! Mahindra Quanto : The Mini-Xylo

High Points

• Badged as the QUANTO. This continues with Mahindra's tradition of UV names ending with an "o" (Bolero, Xylo, Scorpio etc.).

• Looks far better than the regular Xylo which has an ungainly rear end. Here, the design is tighter.

• Launch around or before Diwali.

• Spare wheel mounted on the tail-gate to give it an "SUV" look, rather than MUV.

• 7 seater version confirmed! 3rd row of seats are the side-folding type and entry is from the tail-gate. They get butterfly windows (as seen in the pictures below).

• Length is less than 4 meters - without the spare wheel - thus, the mini-Xylo falls in the lower 12% excise slab. India's first <4 meter MUV.

• Zero luggage space with 7 passengers. Fold the 3rd row away for cargo.

• 1.5L common-rail diesel engine confirmed.

• Shock pricing strategy starting at 5.xx lakhs for the base. Development costs were minimal, as it's based on the 3 year old Xylo. Then, there is the smaller (cheaper) engine and lower excise duties. Mahindra badly wants the mini-Xylo to succeed as the full size Xylo has had an ordinary market run (~2,300 units per month).

• The vehicle is now ready for production.

• Interiors to benefit from the improvements of the facelift Xylo (Pics here)

• Top variant gets ABS, airbags, 6-spoke alloy wheels, steering-mounted audio controls, bluetooth compatibility, height-adjustable driver's seat, reverse parking assist, adjustable lumbar support and center armrest for driver & front passenger. Maybe leather seats & voice commands too.

• Credit to Kaps for sending us these exterior pictures. Interior pic via Motorbeam.com.