Mahindra Supro Minitruck: Detail explored
Published On Apr 03, 2020
The Supro-an all-new platform is the second important product in the Mahindra SCV range after the Iconic Bolero Pikup. Does the Supro have what it takes to become a segment leader? We try to find just that.
The growing demand for last-mile connectivity both for cargo and people and rising mobility needs in semi-urban and rural areas is driving the growth in India’s overall light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. The small commercial vehicle (SCV) segment comprising the sub-1-tonne minitrucks and pickups becomes a high volume, the fast-growing category in the overall truck market.
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Tata Motors are the formidable domestic players in the segments with a robust product portfolio on offer. To maintain its edge in the segment, M&M continues to work on exciting products in this burgeoning segment.
The Bolero Pikup range is among the popular products in the SCVs giving M&M an edge in this segment. Yet, the firm has been expanding its portfolio with equally compelling products to address wider customer segments. The Jeeto minitruck is such a product family-which fits at the entry-level of compact trucks segment where Tata Ace is the clear leader.
The Supro platform is another attempt by M&M to further consolidates its presence in the SCV segment. First introduced in 2015, the Supro range has since then expanded into several variants including cargo and passenger segments with a total of 11 products comprising 4 body forms, 3 fuel types and 4 engine powers.
Importantly, all the above BS4 powertrain will switch over to a brand new BS6 engine family in the next two weeks. The company will make an announcement soon and we are closely watching to get all the details on BS6 engines.
Cargo range
First thing first, Mahindra & Mahindra introduced the Supro cargo variants in the one-tonne segment targeted at intra and inter-city transport applications. This compact truck is suitable for small businesses for their captive use and small transport operators for last-mile deliveries.
Mahindra says this minitruck offers an opportunity for an upgrade to customers looking to get into a four-wheeler’s cargo truck from a three-wheeler. The key USPs of the Supro minitruck are a powerful engine for rigorous daily cargo duties, higher loading deck, segment-leading mileage, a comfortable cabin with driver-friendly features and a enhance focus on safety.
Cargo Variants
M&M has worked extensively on this minitruck to offer cargo load body options to the customers. The goal has been to provide a solution to almost every application and need of the customers. Thus, the Supro Cargo family now has five strong products. They are Supro Maxitruck, eSupro Cargo Van, Supro Minitruck, Supro Minitruck CNG and Supro Cargo Van. The three fuel options on offers are diesel, CNG and electric.
The Supro cargo further segmented into two variants: Supro Mini and Surpo Maxi- both these trucks are targeted at two different parts of cargo needs with distinct payload and powertrain options.
The Supro Mini carry a payload of 850 kg, it gets 26HP diesel engine with 55 Nm of torque and claims nearly 23 km of mileage. Supro Mini also comes with VX variant with 900 kg of payload with more loading space and outstanding specs. For some markets where the diesel vehicles aren’t permitted, a CNG variant is also available. The CNG powered Supro Mini comes with 750 kg of payload with 22 kmpl of mileage with an 18 HP of power.
The Supro Maxi’s payload is 1000 kg and thus gets higher power of 45 HP engine with 98 Nm of torque with a certified mileage of 21 kmpl. The Supro Maxi comes in three variants including T2, T4 and T6 with features configuration and different cargo deck sizes.
The Supro Maxi also gets cabin and chassis configuration primarily for customization as per the customer needs. Some of the applications for customization include poultry, LPG cylinders, cash van, etc. The Maxi also comes in Chef variant- for a restaurant on wheel options with a full-fledged modular kitchen inside.
Segment Defining
The Supro Mini trucks sets benchmark in several areas, it is one of the most competitive products in the last-mile delivery segment. M&M has worked on this new ground-up platform with extensive research and customer feedback. The focus on the minitruck is on just the superior performance, but also comfort, safety and modern design are key elements of this truck.
Supro has successfully defined the minitruck segment in India. The truck has a lot on offer- both on the operational performance along with the design and built quality. This splendid minitruck from M&M is another compelling product for Indian compact truck buyers.