Is NuvoSport Merely a Facelifted Quanto or Does It Pack More?

It might look similar to the Quanto, but has a lot going under its sheet metal!

For starters, the NuvoSport has a brand-new platform, which made its debut with the second-generation Scorpio. Facelifts usually offer aesthetic upgrades and rarely ever a new cabin. But one never expects a new platform from a mid-life update! The NuvoSport, which resembles the Quanto from several angles, has a brand-new platform, derived from the Scorpio. Apart from the XUV500, the KUV100 and the Verito siblings, the remaining Mahindras offer a body on frame layout. In all probability, the manufacturer has just swapped a few of the Quanto's body panel on this new platform. At the launch of the second-gen Scorpio, Mahindra had mentioned that the new chassis is modular and can be altered for other vehicles.  

The first vehicle that received this altered new platform was the TUV300, which is a sub-4m SUV; the NuvoSport might fall in the same price band. Nothing much has been altered, besides its brand-new flashy face. Speaking about the front, unlike the Xylo/Quanto’s sloping bonnet, its bonnet sits up high, making it butchy compared to its predecessor. It has daytime running LEDs above its headlights, resembling an eyebrow. The side profile features a new plastic cladding and the vehicle will probably ride on larger 16-inch wheels, in contrast with the Quanto’s 15-inch wheels. The rear profile remains intact, except for the clear tail lamps and cladding.

 Though the front looks decent when pitched against the Quanto, Mahindra could have further aesthetically upgraded the remaining parts. The interiors of the vehicle were leaked a few weeks ago and they are exactly like the previous model, save a few subtle changes. Unlike the TUV300, the NuvoSport will offer a touchscreen infotainment system, along with other add-ons.

Mechanically, it might receive the 1.5-litre diesel, which debuted with the TUV300, along with a new 1.2-litre mFalcon100 petrol. Besides a 5-speed MT, expect an AMT with the diesel or maybe with the petrol as well. In a nutshell, the 2016 NuvoSport is newer in several ways and is indeed more than a facelift, but it somehow still reflects the essence of the ageing Xylo and the discontinued Quanto!  

By the way, pun intended? Ford Eco'S'port ... Mahindra Nuvo'S'port?

Recommended: Mahindra NuvoSport to be launched in the 1st week of April