Mahindra’s much-discussed Quanto replacement is officially here. Called the NuvoSport, this new model may share its basic appearance with the now defunct Quanto, however, its Scorpio-derived underpinnings are fairly new meaning there are a lot of new bits in store for those looking to get their hands on a sporty crossover. Here’s all you need to know about the new NuvoSport.
Mahindra is proud to promote the NuvoSport as a lifestyle vehicle. Now this means it ought to look sporty and outdoorsy. In this regard, the NuvoSport does decently well thanks to its completely redesigned front-end. There’s the signature Mahindra grille design with vertical slats, a large bonnet scoop (first in this segment) and flared wheel arches. Adding more to the street presence are the 16-inch alloy wheels and the tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The oddly positioned daytime running lights, however, look out of place.
Inside, there are far less changes as far as the design and the layout of materials are concerned. Mahindra has retained most of the Quanto’s dashboard though there are all-new bits like the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.
As usual, Mahindra has gone to town with the equipment list. Standard equipment in top-spec variants includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen Infotainment system, ECO/power mode, cruise control, driver information system and electric mirrors. More importantly, dual airbags and ABS with EBD are available as optional from base variant while they are standard from mid variant ABS with EBD. The NuvoSport also features side intrusion beams for better occupant safety.
As you may have guessed it by looking at it, the NuvoSport is the widest and the tallest in its class, something which is apparent the moment you step in. The cabin (featuring 7 seats) is quite flexible, too, with 60:40 split for the rear seats. Additionally, the tiny seats in the third row can be folded down to allow the second row seats to be reclined. The boot space, at 412-litres, is quite impressive as well.
Underneath the revised exterior and the interior, the NuvoSport packs in a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 100bhp of power and 240Nm of torque. The latter figure is the highest in this segment. Like in the TUV300, there are Eco and Power modes to suit different driving conditions.
The old Quanto was sold as a manual only, but the NuvoSport is being offered in both manual and AMT guise. The latter gearbox option is bound to prove popular among those who spend most of their driving time within city limits. Chassis wise, the NuvoSport is based on the latest-gen Scorpio platform. This ladder frame design has been re-tuned to offer better shock absorption.
With prices starting at Rs 7.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane) for the entry-level N4 variant, the NuvoSport is now on sale. There are six colour options and equal number of variants namely N4, N6 and N8 (N6 and N8 are available with optional AMT versions and the N4 will come with optional dual airbags and ABS with EBD).
