Quanto: Pronto From Mahindra

It's been tagged at R199 900 (Rs584000) for what the automaker calls "a multi-opportunity vehicle" which, while the description is cutely original, still means a small SUV/MPV with PFS (perfect for shopping) leanings.

Only rear-wheel units will be offered for now; 4x4 units will come later but all will have folding rear seats and a spare wheel mounted on the tail door.

Lurking Bags

It's powered by an 89kW/290Nm, 2.2-litre, turbodiesel engine capable, Mahindra claims, of 7.6 litres/100km for general driving and is also the only vehicle in its class with a real chassis (instead of unitary construction) that gives 200mm of ground clearance with its all-round coil-spring suspension that uses five links front and a live axle at the rear.

They carry disc anti-lock brakes up front, drums at the rear and if they're not sufficient to avoid a crash, two air bags lurk for the front occupants. Whatever, Mahindra SA defines the Quanto as "an ideal lifestyle vehicle that makes weekdays feel like weekends”.

Standard for your money are aircon, MP3-compatible radio/CD audio, remote-controlled central locking/unlocking, rear-window demister with wash-wipe, 15" alloy rims in 205/65 radial tyres, power external mirrors, and four powered windows.

The Quanto will be covered by a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a three-year or 60 000km service plan.