Mahindra Maxximo

Mar 18, 2020: Mahindra Maxximo is one of the most growing mini trucks in the nation and is popularly known as ‘Chota Hathi’ due to its compact size and robust engine. The automaker has offered plenty of upgrades to this vehicle periodically. The truck offers a healthy competition to the Tata Ace lineup. 

Under the bonnet lies a BSIV compliant 909cc two-cylinder water-cooled Mahindra four-stroke CNG mill, which is capable of churning out a maximum power output of 18.8hp at 3600 rpm and a peak torque of 57 Nm at 1600-2000 rpm. The transmission duties are handled by a five-speed manual gearbox, which is further aided by a single plate dry clutch. 

Thanks to the CNG engine, the truck returns exceptional fuel economy, which helps in improving the profitability of a business owner. It is a great option for small scale business or for the ones who want to execute door to door delivery.

Mahindra Motors is India’s one of the leading automakers having its hold in off-road vehicles and small commercial vehicles (SCVs) that include pickup and mini trucks. In the company’s fleet, there are many mini trucks, but Maximmo is one of the very famous ones for its style, looks, performance, and higher profit margins.

Available in CNG and Diesel fuel options, it is meant to meet every possible need of small business owners who need to move goods on narrow and busy city streets or bumpy outskirt areas. Being low on maintenance and faster on turn around with more than decent mileage, Mahindra Maxximo is surely the choice of many buyers nowadays.

Engine - 2 Cylinder 909 cc 4 Stroke Direct Injection and Spark Ignition CNG

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - 1800 kg

Wheelbase - 1,950 mm and 1,840 mm

Mileage - 21.9 kmpl

Engine and Performance

Backed by 2 Cylinder 909 cc 4 Stroke Direct Injection diesel and Spark Ignition CNG engines, Mahindra Maxximo generates 26 bhp power @ 3,600 rpm for both, but different torque of 55 Nm @ 1,800 - 2,200 rpm for diesel and 57 Nm @ 1,600 - 2,000 rpm for CNG option.

With Single Plate Dry type clutch and Manual Synchromesh 4-Forward and 1-Reverse gearbox, this mini truck is able to hit the top speed of 72 km/h and has a decent enough gradeability as well. The diesel option also has two different modes namely Power mode for more power and an Eco mode to give 21.9 km/l of mileage.

Vehicle Built and Load Capacity

Mahindra has designed Maxximo very effectively for the roads and is available with the only but longer than usual wheelbase of 1,950 mm for diesel and 1,840 mm for CNG makes it fit for narrow Indian roads and sharper turns. Talking dimension-wise about it, the overall dimensions, the diesel version is 3,800 mm long, 1,540 mm wide and 1,900 mm high with cargo-box dimension being same for diesel and CNG version at 2,280 mm length, 1,540 mm width and 330 mm height.

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) slightly differs for both the versions (1,800 for CNG variant and 1,815 kg for diesel version). However, the payload capacity for both versions differs by 100 kg (diesel version is 850 kg and CNG is 750 kg).

Handling and Suspension

Mahindra Maxximo's Manual Rack and Pinion steering is somewhat a lower point for the mini truck but keeps driver relatively fatigue free than its contemporaries. Talking about its suspension, the front McPherson Independent unit is same for both CNG and diesel, although at rear, CNG has Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs with Hydraulic Double Acting Shock Absorbers while the diesel one has 7 Leaf Spring suspension.

Braking and Safety

There are Disc brakes at front and Drum brakes at rear to buy driver enough time to stop this mini truck irrespective of the terrain, load and speed. The company has also offered features like Load Sensing Proportionate Valves (LSPV) brakes with booster for emergency situations, impact absorbing structure between front bumper and chassis and reinforced cargo body with strong passenger cabin to keep the occupants safe at all times.

Design and Comfort

Aesthetically, Mahindra Maxximo is one of the best looking mini trucks around the market with stylish cabin structure, vibrant colours, attractive front grille, wraparound headlamps and overall aerodynamic body. The cabin interiors have an ergonomic design, tech savvy instrument panel, instrument cluster with digital clock and trip meter, extra cushioned seats, long co-driver seats, mobile charging point and seat belts as well.