Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra launched a new minivan based on its Jeeto platform, priced at Rs 3.45 lakh before taxes.
At the price, the van is likely to appeal to semi-commercial users, such as schools, institutions and shops. The company already has a similar offering on its Maxximo platform, priced at Rs 3.05 lakh.
The new model offers two body forms, semi hard top and hard top, and three fuel options – diesel, petrol and CNG.
One of the most attractive aspects of the van should be the promised mileage of 26 km to the liter, which is among the highest in the category. The Maxximo van has a certified fuel efficiency of 17 km/liter.
Similarly, the Maruti Omni, priced at Rs 3 lakh, runs only on petrol and gas and offers a fuel economy of 17 kmpl.
In terms of power, the Jeeto mini van lags the others. The m_Dura engine offers 11.9 kW (16 HP) and torque of 38 Nm. Maxximo offers 25 bhp and Omni 34.
Top speed for the new vehicle is not given yet.
“This passenger carrier is best suited for stage & contract carriage, last mile connectivity and intra-city people movement,” said Mahindra, which has thrown in a warranty of 2 years or 40,000 kms.
“It is well suited for all kinds of terrain and has the ability to do more trips and delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency,” the company said.
The model’s “fatigue-free car-like driveability, spacious cabin and well-cushioned seating” offers a superior value proposition over its competitors, it claimed.
“At Mahindra, we have identified specific need gaps amongst customers and I am sure that the Jeeto Minivan will provide a more efficient, safe and comfortable mode of transportation. In fact, this new product presents an ideal option for 3 wheeler customers to upgrade their vehicles, as we enable them to Rise by driving positive change in their lives,” said Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector for the company.
It will be available in three colours, Sunrise Red, Ultramarine Blue and Diamond White, and will be launched in a phased manner.
“In phase one, the semi hard top diesel variant of the Jeeto Minivan will be launched. Over the next couple of months, the Jeeto Minivan range will be completed with the launch of the hard top CNG and diesel variants and the semi hard top CNG and petrol variants,” the company said.
The company said the model has many car like feature , including large cabin space with better headroom and legroom. It will also offer “car-like smooth gear-shift” and easier ingress and outgress.
The company also claimed that the Jeeto Minivan provides the highest level of safety in its category.
“The cabin has been designed to provide better safety to the driver and co-driver in the event of a crash. In addition, (ELR) seat belt systems, head restraints and bucket seats provide safety against sudden impact. The Jeeto’s unmatched safety is due to its semi forward design, strong body and superior chassis with a larger wheel base of 2250 mm for better balance.”