Carmakers are finding mini-truck segment quite lucrative in India so as also making a cool cashing point for 800cc-1000cc diesel engines. This segment needs a lot of practicality and no nonsense features; it will be done if not provided with luxury streaks. That is because more the thing which matters is ruggedness and durability as in India we don’t see how much luggage is loaded, but the vehicle shouldn’t breakdown at any cost is our major priority.
To prove this so long list of simple but confusing requirements, Tata Ace had fulfilled all the tick boxes on small commercial transportation check list. Getting to it, Mahindra and others too have joined the league, but to compete Ace wasn’t an easy job so the newly launched Mahindra Maxximo Plus is a recent answer to the competition.
Mahindra Maxximo Plus boards 909cc diesel engine with 2 cylinder enabling 26 PS and top speed of 70kmph. Gear ratio is divided by 4-speed manual transmission which yields an efficiency of 21.9 kmpl (as per ARAI standards).
Needless to say, Maxximo Plus had replaced the existing Maxximo.
Other tweaks on the new mettle are focused on delighting impacts and can be named as stretched wheelbase approximately by 4inches (on comparison with competitors), 7-leaf suspension and new graphics. Additionally, Mahindra too provides serviceability with class leading 2year/60,000 kms warranty and also an option of 6 months/25,000 kms Zero Maintenance Offer.
Saved for the last, Maxximo Plus is made available in two shades i.e. Appy Red and Diamond White, priced at 3.40 lakh (ex-showroom Thane) for BS3 trim and Rs 3.49 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) for BS4 trim.
As per Mahindra, new ‘Fuel Smart’ technology is also the reason to enjoy on ‘Plus’ badge but let’s see if does Tata is agreed to leave its market share of more than 50%. Hopefully, the XUV-ed carmaker is also having roots deep penetrated into the veins of India, must be interesting to see clash of Cheetah and an old tiger on an open ground.