Top 6 facts about the Mahindra NuvoSport

One of the most important car launches for Mahindra and Mahindra in 2016 is the Mahindra NuvoSport compact seven-seater vehicle. Like most new models announced by the Indian automobile major the Mahindra NuvoSport has also stirred quite a bit of interest in the country’s car buyers. Thankfully, it does not carry forward the confusing KUV100 and TUV300 nomenclature and has a more distinct name.

So, if you’ve also been bitten by the curiosity bug for the NuvoSport, then you’re reached the right place. Here’a all you need to know about Mahindra’s latest compact SUV/UV to hit Indian roads.

 

1. Is the Mahindra NuvoSport a restyled Quanto?
   Well, yes and no. The Mahindra NuvoSport is essentially a facelifted version of the not so popular Quanto, but it has received some serious makeover both in terms of exterior design, cabin styling, and overall engineering.
   
   The Quanto was the company’s first compact UV, or as Mahindra terms it - a compact SUV for India. And being sub-4 meter in length it qualified for tax exemptions, and hence its aggressive price tag. Unfortunately the seven-seater didn’t receive the reception Mahindra was hoping and the model fizzled out with time.
   
   Meanwhile, the new Mahindra NuvoSport aims to improve on every aspect where the Quanto failed to impress. So expect a thorough upgrade in every department. Especially, since the Mahindra already has a couple of more successfully compact SUV/UV in the market in the shape of the Mahindra KUV100 and TUV300, which sell between 2,500-4,500 units a month. Mahindra will employ all their learning from these more-successful-than-Quanto models to ensure that the NuvoSport can live up to the hype.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What’s with the new design?
   The engineers seem to have employed a radically different design philosophy on the new Mahindra NuvoSport. Some hardcore Mahindra aficionados were expecting the NuvoSport to sport similar styling as the popular Mahindra XUV500, but have been rather taken aback by this radical approach.
   
   It still retains the original Quanto profile and most of the rear design, but there are plenty of new elements which will surely make the NuvoSport stand out.
   
   There a more SUV-ish front with a high bonnet line, narrow grille with a large bumper. Other interesting bits include a slit in the bonnet, new headlights with LED daytime running lights above them, brushed metal sump guards in front and rear, and a floating roof. Higher variants will get round fog-lamps and new 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the NuvoSport will continue to have seating for seven people, but the seats are expected to be more comfortable and supportive. The cabin will now carry a beige theme to add a premium feel, and new features, again on higher variants, will include a touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and voice command recognition.
   
   
   
3. What’s new under the skin?
   In a statement released by Mahindra recently announcing the NuvoSport name, the company claims that the new compact SUV is “based on the same new generation platform as the Scorpio”. Going by this the Mahindra NuvoSport would have a more modern underpinning, which in turn means that it should be dynamically more balanced and better to drive than the old Quanto.
   
   Despite its sub-4 meter length, we expect the Mahindra NuvoSport to have a slightly longer wheelbase than the Quanto, which would help in achieving better road behaviour.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Did we mention petrol engine and AMT?
   Mahindra car models are recognised for their torquey diesel engines and the new NuvoSport will also be offered with the trusted 1.5-litre oil-burner which also powers theTUV300. But that’s not all. Like the smaller KUV100 buyers may also have the option of buying the NuvoSport with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Apart from this, reports also suggest that Mahindra is also considering an AMT gearbox option for the NuvoSport. 
   
   
   
5. How will it stack up against its competition?
   Petrol and diesel engine options, along with robust drivability, will be vital for the new Mahindra NuvoSport. From the time the Quanto was launched the compact SUV segment in India has evolved drastically. And the NuvoSport will have to make a mark in a market which already has able products like the new Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and a more affordable Ford EcoSport, not to mention its established siblings like the KUV100 and TUV100.
   
   
   
   

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6. Mahindra NuvoSport launch date and price
   Mahindra has officially confirmed that the new NuvoSport compact SUV will be launched in the first week of April 2016. But sources have confirmed April 4, 2016 as the Mahindra NuvoSport launch date.
   
   In terms of pricing, Mahindra will ensure to fill in every possible gap in the compact SUV segment of India and would attempt to undercut its direct competition like the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport. Though Mahindra will announce the price in exactly a week’s time from now, our estimate is between Rs 5.9 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh.