Mahindra Gio Review

KOLKATA - The mini truck segment is becoming a popular choice for intra city transport facilities and Mahindra is not late by any means to grab the potential market as they have introduced their first mini truck commercial vehicle named “Mahindra Gio” for the Indian Market. They are calling it “India’s first compact truck” and we expect that it will be popular among the potential buyers with its attractive pricing, low maintenance cost and high mileage. Let’s take a closer look at the vehicle.

Engine Performance

Mahindra Gio uses a direct injection double cylinder 441cc diesel engine producing 9.1 bhp power and a good 2.2 kgm peak torque. The engine is made by USA based Kohler but is manufactured at Kohler’s facilities at India. With this engine, the vehicle is rated to deliver 27 kmpl mileage on test conditions and we believe that the vehicle will easily deliver above 20 kmpl mileage in any situation. The diesel engine delivering this much high mileage is sure to be envied by other competitors in this segment.

Comfort, Styling and Safety

The price of Mahindra Gio may be on the lower side but it does not look like a cheapo by any means. The internal ergonomic design gives the vehicle a car like feel and the adjustable cushioned bucket seats and other features add to comfort and convenience. The cabin is tall and wide with extra leg room which is ideal for easy entry and exit. The easy to read instrument panel add to driving pleasure. The signature Mahindra front grill looks stylish and trendy while the semi forward cabin with crumple zone add some safety to the driving cabin. Multi focal reflector halogen lights, side indicators and bigger rear view mirrors offer optimum visibility. The vehicle is also available in five different shades of Peacock Blue, Royal Red, Sporty Green, Golden Yellow.

Payload

The Gio has a low to moderate payload of 0.5 tonne which will be enough for some delivery of goods to shops and stores. The 5 feet cargo box load body is made of fully corrugated sheet which is strong and long lasting. The gross vehicle weight is a little over 1.1 tonne. The payload of the vehicle indicates that it will be competing in the 0.5 tonne LCV segment which is currently occupied by the three wheelers.

Transmission

The vehicle comes equipped with a 4 speed manual transmission and is developed by Mahindra itself. With 4 forward and 1 reverse gear box the engine smoothly delivers power to the wheels.

Suspension

The front suspensions are independent suspensions and unlike spring leaf suspension, they give more comfort and control. The rear suspensions are common spring leaf suspension with rigid axle to enhance load stability.

Handling

A car like steering wheel with low turning radius of 3.8 meters means it can be handled with ease even in the narrowest of roads. The dashboard mounted gear shifter also adds to the convenience

Price and Availability

The BS II version of Gio is  priced at Rs. 1.65 lakh and there is a BS III version available at Rs. 1.68 lakhs. The pricing seems to be very competitive in the mini truck market hitting the sweet spot between Tata Ace priced at Rs. 2.78 lakh and the ubiquitous three wheelers priced at about Rs. 1.4 lakh. It is made in Mahindra’s Haridwar plant and will be sold in two phases with the first phase hitting the North, East and Western parts of India and the second phase will start by January 2010 reaching southern India. They will retail the vehicle through 500 points and 150 dealerships.

Conclusion

At first look, the Mahindra Gio looks to be a winner in its category. Low cost of accumulation, lower maintenance cost, and best in class mileage is what customers of this category of LCV look for. Mahindra does deliver that and we are sure it will soon be crowding Indian cities if Mahindra remains consistent about their quality.