Upcoming Cars : Mahindra Quanto AMT
Mahindra at the 2014 Auto Expo in Greater Noida showcased an automatic version of it’s Quanto compact MUV. The automatic Mahindra Quanto features an automated manual transmission, which means that in essence it uses the same five-speed gearbox as the current Quanto, albeit with a different electro mechanical system that allows it to shift gears automatically. As is the case with a automated manual gearboxes, the unit will also come with tip-tronic function that will allow the driver to shift gears manually.
The Mahindra Quanto AMT will otherwise remain identical to it’s manual counterpart and will feature no mechanical changes. Cosmetic changes are likely to be refrained from as well to keep costs in check. The vehicle showcased at the Auto Expo also featured regenerative braking, although it is not clear if this will be carried over to the production version considering the cost-benefit aspects.
Under the hood, the Mahindra Quanto automatic will continue to be powered by it’s 1.5 litre three cylinder turbo diesel engine 100PS of max power @ 3,750 rpm and 240Nm of peak torque between 1,600 rpm and 2,000 rpm. The Mahindra Quanto has an ARAI claimed fuel efficiency figure of 17.21 km/l. Fuel efficiency will remain the same for the automatic model.
The Mahindra Quanto is currently on sale with four variants on offer, it would do Mahindra well to introduce two AMT versions (one top and another mid variant) of the same in order to make the automatic model more accessible to buyers.
Expect prices of the Mahindra Quanto AMT to be pegged at around Rs. 40,000 over it’s manual counterparts.
