Mahindra has quietly launched the passenger variant of the 0.5-liter diesel engine-powered mini-truck ‘ Gio’, in Bihar (Ex-showroom price, Rs. 1.95 lakh). Mahindra claims the 4-wheeler Gio passenger cab will return a mileage of 30 km/litre.
Aimed at the commercial segment, the Gio passenger cab will target share-auto operators for short-distance commuters. The Gio passenger cab will compete with Bajaj RE & Piaggio Ape three-wheelers.
In February 2010, Mahindra had launched the Maxximo pick-up to take on the Tata Ace in the sub- 2-tonne commercial vehicles category at a price of Rs. 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Navi Mumbai).
The company is serious about its commercial products in both passenger as well as cargo segments. Thinking on this line, Mahindra may likely launch the passenger cab version of the Maxximo as its next people-mover in the commercial segment.
Mahindra Gio passenger cab specifications –
| Engine type | Single cylinder, direct inection |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 86 x 76 |
| Displacement | 441.5 cc (0.5 litre) diesel |
| Compression ratio | 20.3:1 |
| Maximum power | 6.8 ± 0.3 kW (9.5 bhp) at 3600 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 21 ± 1 Nm at 2000 – 2400 rpm |
| Clutch type | Multi-plate wet type clutch |
| Gear box type | Sequential shift, constant mesh gear box |
| No. of gears | 4 forward, 1 reverse |
| Suspension type front | Independent Mcpherson with banded piston |
| Suspension type rear | Leaf spring with telescopic shock absorber |
| Brake (front & rear) | Hydraulic drum |
| Parking brake | Internal expanding type on rear wheels, hand lever cable type |
Source – GoaOnWheels
