Mahindra Quanto vs. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparison

Mahindra has launched their much awaited Xylo-based compact MPV, the Quanto. The Quanto starts at a rather attractive price of Rs.5.82 lakh (ex-showroom Thane) and goes up to Rs. 7.36 lakh for the top end C8 variant.

How does it compare with the hot-selling new MPV from Maruti Suzuki, the Ertiga?

Looks: Ertiga scores with elegance

Quanto wont turn heads with its chopped-from-the-rear Xylo looks. So itlooks ;like the Xylo from the front, apart from minor changes like the grille.

It is tall car but rather small wheels so the profile view is a little unbalanced. From the rear, it looks a bit like an SUV with the rear door mounted spare wheel. The high set tail lamps and the partially open-able rear quarter glasses help break the otherwise boxy design. Also read: Mahindra launches Quanto compact MPV at Rs. 5.82 lakh!

In comparison, the Ertiga has a more flowing and elegant design —the proportions are much better. The fit and finish too is top notch.

On the inside too, Ertiga scores with its much better finish.

Ertiga wins this round with ease.

Performance and handling: Quanto has speed but little else

The Quanto sports a 1,493 cc, three-cylinder diesel motor called the mCR100. This diesel motor makes 100 bhp of power at 3,750 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1,600-2,800 rpm. Moreover it is the first vehicle from Mahindra’s stable to come with a twin-turbo system. The twin-turbo system helps in ensuring that there is no turbo lag and power delivery also improves. The Quanto gets a brand new 5-speed manual transmission as well. Also read: Mahindra Quanto first drive impressions!

Mileage as per ARAI is a claimed 17.21 kmpl which should roughly translate into real world figures of 13-14 kmpl in the city and 15-16 kmpl on the highways. For more specific figures we will have to wait for a full fledged road test.

The Ertiga on the other hand comes with a 1.3-litre diesel motor (same as in the SX4 diesel) which makes 89 bhp of power (which is 11 bhp lower than the Quanto) and 200 Nm of torque.

However, when we drove the Ertiga during out road test we felt that the Ertiga performed rather well and did not seem underpowered. In terms of mileage the Ertiga diesel offers 20.77 kmpl (ARAI-certified mileage) which is much better than the Quanto.

On paper, Quanto has more power but a lot depends on its handling. The Ertiga handles quite well and it will be interesting to see if Mahindra has managed to give the Quanto good handling characteristics despite its short wheelbase and height.

At this early stage, it’s a draw—on the assumption that Ertiga score higher on handling but Quanto will beat it on speed. Also see: Mahindra Quanto 5-city prices and variants

Comfort and features: More space sees Ertiga win here

The Ertiga is a spacious and comfortable MPV but the third row in the Ertiga has just about adequate legroom for kids. The Quanto, will however, be far less comfortable in the third row due to its unfold-able third row seat layout when compared to the Ertiga’s single row seating.

When it comes to seating five adults, both are adequate. Speaking of features; The C6 and C8 variants of the Quanto comes with safety features such as ABS and two airbags. The top end C8 also comes with reverse parking sensors. Like the Xylo, the Quanto too gets flip out tray tables for the middle row and height adjustable driver’s seat in the high end variants.

Regular features include power windows, AC, power steering with tilt adjust, keyless entry, power adjustable mirrors, central locking and an integrated music system with USB and Aux-in connectivity.

The top end Ertiga ZDI variant comes with ABS, dual front airbags, power adjustable outside mirrors with turn indicators, integrated audio system features USB and aux-in, steering mounted audio controls and a rear roof-mounted AC blower with independent controls.

In terms of features, the two vehicles seems more or less evenly matched. Also read: Renault Lodgy MPV to come to India

Price, mileage and VFM: Quanto is priced to lure diesel customers

The Quanto has 4 variants in all and starts at Rs. 5.82 lakh for the base C2 variant. The Quanto C4 costs Rs. 6.35 lakh, the C6 costs Rs. 6.86 lakh and the top end C8 variant comes in at Rs. 7.36 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Thane).

The Ertiga on the other hand has only three ditesel variant priced at Rs.7.76 for the base LDI variant, 8.44 lakh for the VDI variant and Rs.9.09 lakh for the top end ZDi variant. Overall, the Quanto is a more value for money option than the Ertiga. Also read: Why the Mahindra Quanto is a good alternative to premium hatchbacks

Verdict: Quanto if you want diesel, Ertiga for everything else

Mahindra has positioned the Quanto as a compact SUV although it’s really an MPV. For those who need lots of space but have a tight budget, Quanto is sensible value-for- money option. However, if you want solid build quality with refinement, then Ertiga scores higher.  Also read: Mahindra Quanto unofficial first drive.

What do you think about the Quanto? Share your views in the comments section below.