Mahindra Furio 17

Mahindra Furio 17 is a 6-tyre intermediate commercial vehicle (ICV) with a state-of-the-art cabin designed by Pininfarina for comfort and improving driver productivity. Equipped with a robust mDi model – fuel and power enhancement technology integrated 4-cylinder BS6-compliant diesel engine, the Furio 17 is an ideal solution for businesses seeking profits.

Featuring robust drivetrain aggregates with durability such as a heavy-duty Dana rear axle and rigid leaf spring suspension, the Furio 17 truck is a strategic investment for cargo transportation businesses – planning on inducting robust trucks for continuous fleet operations without downtime.

The Dana rear axle used in Mahindra trucks is a type of axle manufactured by Dana Incorporated, a global leader in drivetrain and mobility solutions. Dana rear axles are known for their durability, strength, and performance, making them a popular choice for commercial vehicles, including Mahindra trucks.

Moreover, the truck is fitted with a tubular type chassis for Indian driving environments and harsh conditions to ensure rigidity. Built using high-strength, low-alloy material (HSLA 550) with powder-coated cross members and cathodic electro-deposition-coated long members, the chassis has significant durability.

CED coating is a process where an electrically charged paint is deposited onto a conductive surface. The metal part to be coated is immersed in a bath containing the CED paint, and an electric current is applied. The paint particles are then attracted to the metal surface and form a uniform coating.

Available at a starting price of Rs 25.99 lakh which goes up to Rs 26.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Furio 17 truck from Mahindra is a comprehensive solution for enhancing the business profitability of logistics that ply their vehicle for multiple haulage applications. Some of the applications include the transportation of parcels and couriers, market loads and containers.

Mahindra Furio 17 Performance

The Mahindra Furio 17 truck is powered by a 3.5-litre mDI Tech 4-cylinder Bharat Stage-VI compliant diesel engine. This engine is engineered to produce 138.12 hp at 2400 rpm and 525 Nm at around 1250-1800 rpm. The diesel engine is also mated to a 6-speed manual cable-shift type transmission. 

A manual cable shift type gearbox incorporates steel cables linked to the gear shift lever to mechanically engage the gear. This system allows the drivers to select a desired gear by moving the gear lever which is controlled by steel cables. This transmission system is easy to maintain and durable, ensuring lower maintenance costs. 

Further, the Mahindra Furio 17 is outfitted with semi-elliptical suspension to ensure rigidity and high load-carrying capacity. Semi-elliptical leaf springs consist of one or more layers of thick and curved spring steel plates that ensure rigidity and durability. 

Mahindra Furio 17 Specifications

The Furio 17 cargo haulier is a 17,000 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) truck available in a sleeper cab body configuration. It comes in single wheelbase options measuring 5450 mm and is fitted with a 190-litre diesel tank as standard. There is an option for opting 235-litre, or  330-litre diesel tank based on the business requirements of customers.  

The vehicle is also equipped with tyres measuring 275 mm in width, with 80 percent sidewall height and 22.5-inch diameter rims. Further, the truck has a 2.05 m sleeper cabin which can be tilted for easy access to the engine bay for serviceability.

Mahindra Furio 17 Features

The Mahindra Furio 17 comes with multiple features designed to enhance user experience and comfort. This includes the integration of features such as tilt and telescopic steering systems to suit different operators’ preferences and driving styles, an informative driver information system, comfortable seats with adjustable headrests, and utility pockets on the door for added convenience.

Additionally, the vehicle boasts features such as dual chamber headlights with good throw at night, a metallic bumper with a crash bar for safety and a side ladder for climbing onto the load body effortlessly.

Mahindra Furio 17 Rivals

The Mahindra Furio 17 cargo haulier is a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking an efficient, robust and comfortable sleeper cabin integrated truck. Available in cowl body configuration in addition to the fully built solution, the vehicle is suitable for multiple applications based on business requirements of logistics.

Key rivals of the Furio 17 cargo truck from Mahindra include the Tata Ultra T.16, Tata 1512 LPT, Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1615 HE, Eicher Pro 3015, Eicher Pro 2114XP, and BharatBenz 1617R. 

Overview

Mahindra offers the Furio 17 truck in 17-tonne GVW (gross vehicle weight) to address diverse business requirements like parcel, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), e-commerce, and market loads. The Mahindra Furio 17 is available in two body variants – CBC (cowl body chassis) and HSD (high side deck) – to serve as a reefer (truck attached to the refrigerated trailer to transport ice creams and perishable dairy products) and container.

 
The intermediate commercial vehicle (ICV) with FuelSmart engine technology enables the driver to switch between load and empty mode. For seamless last-mile goods delivery, the load mode is engaged when the vehicle travels up a ghat section or carries a rated load on a highway. However, an empty mode is used when it carries a low load or moves with an empty cargo body.

With Bosch ATS (after-treatment system) integrating selective catalytic reduction and mild exhaust gas recirculation, the Furio 17 truck reduces the emissions of nitrogen oxides from its diesel engine to offer an eco-friendly logistical solution. Its BS6 ATS ensures low AdBlue consumption which can maximise business profitability and savings.

 
Exterior

The Furio 17 BS6 truck is built with a strong chassis made of high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA 550) to suit typical Indian road conditions. Its I-section and tubular-type chassis member with powder-coated cross member and CED-coated long member give it durability and strength. Powder coating is a dry finishing process that uses an electric charge to fuse a powder to the metal surface of cross members to protect it from corrosion, fading, and even rust.

However, CED (cathodic electro-deposition) coating is a water-based primer coating that uses electrical current to deposit paint on the long member surface connected to the cathode, covering even the complex metal surface and sharp corners. The Furio 17 has an elegant fascia with a chrome emblem and Mahindra's signature wide grille to let air in and cool the radiator. 

Moreover, the ICV model gets a 5450 mm wheelbase for better stability especially when the truck is fully loaded with voluminous goods. Its HSD variant incorporates an internal load body size of 7315 mm in length, 2288 mm in width, and 1980 mm in height while its width is also available in 2374 mm which is slightly wider than the width in the HSD variant. 

Interior 

Mahindra claims that maximum driver comfort can result in maximum earnings. Hence, the brand carefully considers the interior design of all of its vehicles including the Furio 17 truck to uphold this objective. The Mahindra Furio 17 is fitted with a state-of-the-art cabin designed by Pininfarina, the Italian design arm of Mahindra, for unmatched comfort and high productivity. It has a spacious walk-through cabin which allows for easy entry and exit with reduced effort inside the cabin while getting access to utility features.

Further, the lounge seating arrangement with recliners allows the co-driver to relax during the drive while the driver can relax during a stopover without leaving the truck. Its cabin is ergonomically designed with a unique steering knuckle rake angle from the vertical axis to ensure lower exposure to the sun. Mahindra emphasises that this steering angle helps the driver to ride comfortably, avoiding direct sunlight.

 
Additionally, its 2.05 m wide sleeper cabin features comfortable seats, higher headroom, a blower, lockable storage, and a car-like driver information system to update the driver about vital information in real time. The Furio 17 model is incorporated with a 4-spoke tilt and telescopic power steering to adjust the steering at the driver’s convenience. It also comes with 8 air outlets in its cabin to ensure the driver stays fresh for more hours during the long haul operations.

Performance

The Furio 17 truck is driven by a 3.5-litre mDI Tech 4-cylinder BS6 diesel engine with an 1800 bar CRS (common rail system) and electronic wastegate turbocharger to deliver 138.12 hp (103 kW) at 2400 rpm and 525 Nm at 1250-1800 rpm. With CRS, flexibility to the fuel injection pressure and precise fuel injection can be ensured for improved fuel economy.

Further, its BS6 engine is aligned with a 6-speed overdrive synchromesh gearbox using a 362 mm dia organic clutch with more contact area that delivers the power transmission without slippage. A synchromesh gearbox synchronises the gear speed and transmission shafts before engagement for smooth and effortless gear shifting. Additionally, the vehicle has a booster to lower the efforts in clutch operation and a clutch wear indicator to inform you about its replacement.

With its heavy-duty semi-elliptical suspension, the intermediate commercial vehicle can take on the toughest driving and load conditions without any need for additional leaves. The Furio 17 BS6 truck offers fuel-tank capacity options of 190 litres, 235 litres, and 330 litres to operate seamless cargo transportation for an extended period. This 6-tyre truck has 275 mm wide tubeless tyres on 22.5-inch dia wheels for high-speed capacity and better stability. 

Safety

To ensure safety on every cargo ride, the Furio 17 truck is clubbed with some safety features like anti-roll bars for enhanced stability while sharp cornering, wide windshield and rear mirrors for better visibility, and a 10-bar air braking system for improved vehicle control. 

Additionally, wide-spread fog lamps and dual-chamber headlights are installed to provide longer light-throws to ease freight movement at night or in overcast conditions. Mahinda claims that the cabin of this vehicle meets an AIS 029 crash norm (automotive industry standard to assess the structural integrity and safety performance of the vehicle in times of frontal collision) to increase the safety quotient. 

Verdict

The Furio 17 is equipped with a fuel-efficient powertrain, advanced safety features, rugged aggregates, and a heavy-duty suspension to negotiate heavy loads for both intercity and intracity cargo mobility. This 17-tonne GVW truck with improved cabin design and engine technology has the earning potential for Indian transport businesses by increasing fleet productivity.