MUMBAI, March 9: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is exploring a petrol option for the Armada Grand, scheduled to make its entry shortly in the local market. Various alternatives are being examined for the engine and a possible candidate could be the 4G63 two litre engine from Mitsubishi Motor Corporation.The engine has been planned for the petrol version of the recently introduced eight-seater Voyager from M&M. It will, however, be confined to the export market for the present. In the case of the Armada Grand, M&M would be inclined to target both the domestic and overseas segments, sources said.
The Armada Grand will primarily be fitted with the Peugeot XD3 diesel engine. It will have a host of attractive features like power steering, central locking, airconditioning, a new instrument panel, newly engineered chassis and suspension. Engine noise levels have been reduced considerably and dealers expect the vehicle to do well vis-a-vis its nearest competitor, the Tata Sumo.
The petrol option is being consideredas there is a demand for the fuel in certain segments here, as in the case of people living in hilly areas. While diesel has a phenomenal price advantage, there is also a section of users who could be termed petrol loyalists. However, sources say production of the petrol version will be kept at much lower levels than the diesel counterpart.
The offer of a petrol alternative makes a lot of sense, observers say, as it is keeping in line with a growing market and caters to individual choices. In the case of the Voyager, the petrol version will be introduced in the country only after a while when production at the Zaheerabad plant gets into full gear. At present, being a new vehicle, it is only logical that the diesel version gains acceptability before its petrol counterpart hits the market.
The same pattern could apply to the Armada Grand as there is no indication when the petrol option makes its debut. Sources say it could make its entry at a later date and there is every likelihood of exports preceding thedomestic launch. There have been no indications on the pricing though dealers say it could be marginally less expensive than the diesel Armada Grand.
Any price advantage could be set off due to the import duty payable on the engine, they added. A lot of hard work has got into the vehicle and it is expected to be devoid of the many defects found in the Armada, especially noise. Both the Voyager and Armada Grand are clear indications of M&M's attempt to stabilise itself in the multi-utility segment where it is currently the leader but has come in for some competition from Telco.
