A new addition to Mahindra and Mahindra’s Jeeto Plus line, the New Jeeto Plus CNG Char Sau (CNG 400) is expected to improve fuel economy and mileage. In order to assess the company’s claim of the lowest total cost of operations and improved profitability for customers in the small commercial vehicle (SCV) segment, Rajesh Rajgor closely examines the vehicle
We have been anticipating the introduction of the New Jeeto Plus CNG Char Sau ever since Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. announced the launch of the addition to its current Jeeto Plus line. OEMs’ eagerness to introduce a CNG product in the SCV category was the main cause of the anticipation. It’s interesting to think that despite the current volatility in energy and gas prices and the fact that there isn’t much to choose between a diesel and a CNG in terms of price, operators and OEMs still view CNG as the best alternative fuel.
This is so until there is even a small percentage difference (margin) between diesel on the higher and CNG on the lower side. The second thing that got our attention was the claim itself because Mahindra and Mahindra has made significant efforts to improve driver comfort and manoeuvrability as well as make sure that the vehicle has the lowest operating costs and best profitability. With the two CNG tanks, which have a capacity of 40 and 28 litres each, the vehicle can travel 400 kilometres in one full fill, claims the manufacturer.
The Exteriors
The front fascia has a semi-forward arrangement with the traditional chrome-finished Mahindra and Mahindra badge and grill giving it a beautiful look. Clear halogen headlamps, turn indictors and reflecting tape enhance the beauty further. The tape is neatly fitted between the body and the bumper. There is also scope for a fog lamp given on the fibre. Under the hood from the side the vehicle’s 2500 mm wheelbase is quite striking. There are also disc brakes with dual pads. It comes with an independent front suspension and coil springs with anti-roll bar in the front. The windshield is big for clear and good visibility and hosts a dry wiper. The roof has been designed keeping in mind the aerodynamics.
The overall kerb weight of the vehicle is 835 kg with a significant seven feet long and five feet broad (7.4 feet x 4.9 feet) load tray, giving the operators a payload of about 650 kg. The vehicle has good sturdy 12-inch tyres with steel rims and a battery of 12 V and 45 A. Towards the back the tabular chassis is strong, thus providing ruggedness and stability to the vehicle. The CNG tanks are placed in the middle just behind the seating area. For safety it also has plates underneath it. The tanks can be regularly checked every three years for safety. There is also a radiator fan for water cooling just behind the CNG tank under the hood. Even after the vehicle is stopped, the radiator fan cools the CNG engine.
Interiors and Drive
Even for someone like me who is 6 feet tall, the interior cabin of the vehicle has enough of headroom. The clutch, accelerator and brake pedals are arranged in a straightforward manner, yet the resting space is fairly convenient. One doesn’t actually feel tired. The vehicle has a rack and pinion manual flat bottom steering, headlight dippers and a straightforward single dial instrument cluster that only displays speed and not the rpm. The CNG capacity, temperature and the odometer are also visible to the driver. The wiper lever has two high and low speeds which is sufficient. The lever for lights on the right too is handy for lights and indicator adjustment. There is also a 12 V outlet for charging mobile devices – nothing too extravagant that is unnecessary or might distract a driver. The gearbox is dash-mounted. However, once you get into the first gear, the initial pickup, despite being a CNG vehicle, is smooth. The comfort level of the New Jeeto CNG Plus Char Sau embraces the driver. Even at a top speed of 60 km per hour the vehicle is smooth and has absolutely zero NVH levels.
Standardisation and Differentiation
The vehicle that claims to travel 400 km on a single fill, which, when combined with its 650 kg payload, will undoubtedly appeal to drivers. Additionally, with its mileage of 35.1 km per kg, it can boast of the lowest maintenance cost (0.22 per kilometre), and is most reasonably priced, which can result in significant savings for operators to the extent of nearly 30 per cent compared to CNG mini trucks. It boasts a greater deck length of 2,257 mm (7 feet) and a three-year, 72,000 km guarantee, which is the best in its class (whichever is earlier). The New Jeeto Plus CNG Char Sau was created to meet the changing last-mile connectivity and logistics needs of transporters.
It is outfitted with a variety of standard and differentiating features that make it the ideal choice for the needs of small and medium-sized businessmen and traders across India who provide last-mile transportation solutions. A potent engine powers the vehicle, producing a class-leading 15 kW of power and 44 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,200 rpm. As a result, the New Jeeto Plus CNG Char Sau has excellent pickup, acceleration and gradeability, enabling it to tow huge loads up even the steepest incline. It will yield up to 30 per cent higher profit than the current alternatives when combined with the lowest maintenance cost and the capacity to carry a variety of load options efficiently.
Win-Win Situation
The vehicle comes with superior mileage backed by excellent service assurance. The range promise is phenomenal and certainly the best in the category. Customers can now travel greater distances and even go intercity without having to worry about refilling at shorter intervals. This vehicle shall go a long way in helping customers prosper in their businesses because of its excellent suitability for their specific requirements. The company is committed towards sustainable mobility and the environment, and the launch of the New Jeeto Plus CNG Char Sau is definitely a proactive step in that direction. To be rolled out from its state-of-the-art Zaheerabad plant, the vehicle will be available in three attractive colours: diamond white, ultramarine blue and sunrise red. It is supported by the OEM’s extensive service network, which is one of the largest in the country.