Mahindra Jeeto

The Mahindra Jeeto is a versatile truck in the light commercial vehicle segment. The vehicle boasts a high load-carrying capacity and best-in-segment efficiency, making it ideal for businesses. With an efficient powertrain and strong load body, the Jeeto is perfect for new entrepreneurs looking to carry goods efficiently for intracity operations and drive profitability. 

Equipped with R12-sized tyres, the Mahindra Jeeto truck also delivers superior wet-weather traction in full-load conditions. Here R indicates that the tyres have radial construction and 12 represents the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. Radial tyres typically have layers of fabric with cords laid at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, providing better flexibility and stability.

Available with a minimum payload capacity of around 715 kg, while the highest load carrying capacity of the Jeeto is rated at 815 kg, and a bigger cargo box, the Jeeto is also suitable for carrying large loads from the warehouse to the doorstep of customers in a single trip for high uptime. 

Delivering a certified mileage of 32 kmpl (diesel variant) for the highest profit outcomes while being offered a ground clearance of 180 mm to take on rough road conditions with load effortlessly, the Jeeto truck is a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking a truck suitable for day-to-day haulage requirements and tough applications. 

Additionally, the truck offers sufficient features for improving driver comfort and productivity although features like a music system are a miss. Moreover, it includes a dash-mounted gear lever positioned for improving driveability, a 12V charging port and an informative digitized instrument cluster to suit the different operational requirements of operators. 

Overall, with a price tag starting from Rs. 4.38 lakh (ex-showroom), which goes all the way up to Rs. 5.08 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra Jeeto comes in a range of mini truck models in different powertrain configurations designed to serve the specific needs of logistical businesses and new entrepreneurs in the country. 

Mahindra Jeeto Powertrain

The Mahindra Jeeto comes in various models, including the Jeeto Strong Diesel, Jeeto Strong CNG and Jeeto Plus Petrol. The Jeeto Strong CNG is equipped with a four-stroke CNG powertrain, while the Jeeto Strong Diesel is equipped with a water-cooled diesel powertrain, and the Jeeto Plus Petrol features a four-stroke petrol engine. In terms of gearbox configuration, all Mahindra Jeeto models’ engine is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. 

Mahindra Jeeto Specifications

The Mahindra Jeeto is built on a ladder frame chassis with an independent front suspension and a semi-trailing arm at the rear end. It also features hydraulic brakes and a robust manual-assisted steering system for enhanced safety and control. 

Furthermore, the Mahindra Jeeto Strong Diesel, Jeeto Plus Petrol, and Jeeto Strong CNG models have outer body dimensions of 2257 mm x 1493 mm x 300 mm (L x W x H) and are equipped with R12-sized tyres. 

In terms of load capacity, the Jeeto Plus Petrol can carry a payload of up to 715 kg, while the Jeeto Strong CNG and Jeeto Strong Diesel boast a higher capacity of 750 kg and 815 kg, respectively.

Mahindra Jeeto Features

Although there are not many features to discuss, the vehicle does house driver productivity and comfort-oriented features such as a 12V mobile charging point, an adjustable driver seat, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. These features help operators to have an overall decent experience with the operation of this vehicle.

Mahindra Jeeto Rivals

The Mahindra Jeeto trucks are renowned for their exceptional fuel efficiency, making them significant rivals to contenders in the commercial vehicle market such as the Tata Ace and Ashok Leyland Dost, among others.

Overview

India's commercial vehicle sector boasts a thriving small truck market, driven by the growing demand for businesses to efficiently deliver cargo to customers' doorsteps. The Jeeto range of small commercial vehicles is a testament to this remarkable growth over the last decade.

Speaking of the Jeeto range, it features an efficient powertrain and a robust load body, ideal for enhancing fleet operations. Mahindra claims that this has facilitated business growth and increased the earning potential of operators while contributing to the thriving small truck market in India.

Moreover, while many manufacturers focus on offering high-end products catering to fleet owners and larger truck operators, the Mahindra Jeeto stands out with its higher mileage and versatile performance across rural and urban haulage applications, making it ideal for first-time owners and individual operators.

Additionally, equipped with features that can improve driver comfort and productivity, such as a dash-mounted gear lever and a 12V charging port, the Jeeto truck is an ideal small commercial vehicle for tackling continuous fleet operations. However, its feature set is limited, which is a drawback.

Nonetheless, the vehicle does come with robust aggregates crafted for improving ride comfort and stability – a factor that improves driver performance to drive in positive profit outcomes. Let’s take a closer look at all these aspects to understand, what makes the Jeeto range of commercial vehicles ideal for businesses seeking growth. Read on:

Performance

The Mahindra Jeeto is available in several models: Jeeto Strong Diesel, Jeeto Strong CNG and Jeeto Plus Petrol. The Jeeto Strong CNG is equipped with a four-stroke CNG powertrain, while the Jeeto Strong Diesel is equipped with a water-cooled diesel powertrain, and the Jeeto Plus Petrol features a four-stroke petrol engine. In terms of gearbox configuration, all Mahindra Jeeto models’ engine is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission.

As for power figures, the Jeeto Strong CNG Churns out 20.11 hp at 4000 rpm and 42 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Jeeto Strong Diesel produces 16.01 hp at 3600 rpm and 42 Nm of torque and the Jeeto Plus Petrol is tuned to generate 23.19 hp at 4000 rpm and 48 Nm of torque at around 2000 to 2500 rpm. 

Focusing on the Jeeto Strong CNG, its powertrain feels refined and smooth. It offers ample low-end torque, and the gears have shorter ratios for enhanced low-end torque production, which is essential for haulage operations. This implies that the engine provides sufficient torque at lower RPMs, which is crucial for starting and moving heavy loads. 

In highway driving conditions, the vehicle felt stable and planted even without a load. It could easily perform overtakes, and surprisingly, the limited horsepower on paper was not evident in real-world driving. The vehicle navigated through traffic and performed overtakes on highways with ease, likely due to its lightweight nature and shorter gear ratios tuned for better acceleration.

However, the engine's performance changes noticeably when climbing steep inclines. While vibrations remain minimal, the engine does seem to struggle a tad bit. Nonetheless, it manages to navigate through such conditions, keeping in mind that this was tested without any load.

Overall, considering it is a simple four-stroke single-cylinder engine, the vehicle manages well in terms of torque and power production, which is ample for carrying smaller loads in ideal highway driving conditions. 

Ride And Handling

The Jeeto range features McPherson strut suspension in the front for higher stability and ride comfort, while the rear is fitted with a semi-trailing arm for rigidity and higher load-carrying capacity. This suspension setup offers ample stability in highway driving conditions and performs well even on bad road sections. 

Additionally, the 12-inch wheels contribute to the truck's stability, smoothing out bumps and uneven road surfaces effectively. They also enable easier U-turns due to a shorter turning radius. However, the absence of power steering means that manoeuvring at lower speeds requires some effort to turn the wheel fully.

At higher speeds, the steering becomes more precise, providing adequate feedback to help keep the vehicle stable and steady.

Exterior 

The Mahindra Jeeto range features a simple yet appealing design, with minimal elements that cater to customers seeking a rugged mini truck with a decent appearance. Its muscular black bumper and stylish grille enhance its overall look. The combination of a stylish front, unique cabin design, and attractive load body structure makes the Jeeto range one of the most visually appealing trucks in its segment. 

Taking a closer look at the Jeeto Strong CNG, you will notice its slotted grille section, which enhances both air intake and aesthetics. The headlight and grille are seamlessly integrated, resembling a horizontally positioned paddle. A prominent Mahindra logo is centrally placed on a black element that features a distinctive downward kink.

The fascia also features a large black bumper which is somewhat symmetrically positioned with the headlights and cowl section – complemented by the white body-colored space surrounding the headlights and grille. Additionally, a honeycomb grille is integrated into the middle portion of the bumper, and there are provisions for fog lamps, as mentioned earlier.

A white reflector tape also runs across the width of the bumper separating the cowl section, pointed out earlier, and the bumper itself. 

Moving on to the sides, the Jeeto Strong CNG features stylish triangular pattern decals running across the width of the cabin. An angular fender panel separates the door panel from the cowl section, with the side indicators placed on this fender panel. The load body maintains the simple design language characteristic of the Jeeto range.

Additionally, the spare tyre is visible, tucked neatly between the load body and chassis. The vehicle also has wheelcaps that mimic an alloy wheel, when looked at from a distance, to give it a modern appearance. A black plastic rear wheel arch (fender) can be visible on the side portion of the vehicle.

At the rear, the vehicle has little to boast about except for two rear parking sensors placed just beneath the tailgate section. Like many other Mahindra models, such as the Supro Excel series, the tailgate features a large Mahindra logo. However, it lacks a factory-fitted rear crash guard, though customers have the option to customise one to their liking.

Interior

Inside the cabin of the Jeeto Plus Petrol and Jeeto Strong Diesel, there are minimal elements to highlight, and the Jeeto Strong CNG is no exception. However, the vehicles feature a modern dashboard with dummy switches for accessories such as fog lamps or even a music system. The dashboard, though functional, appears plain and lacks dummy air vents for added aesthetics.

Nonetheless, the dashboard gets a 12V mobile charging socket for driver convenience and a headlight leveller. Moreover, the main highlight of the whole dashboard is its gear shifter which is integrated into the dashboard. For improving operational performance, the vehicle also gets an informative digital instrument cluster with time, fuel, engine temperature and odo readings.

Regarding the comfort aspect of the cabin, the vehicle provides ample legroom and headroom, allowing the driver and passenger to sit comfortably. The seats are well-cushioned, however, misses out on headrests for safety and comfort. All-in-all, the cabin is decent, considering the price range the vehicle is offered at.

Safety

The Mahindra Jeeto Strong prioritises safety with a secure chamber on the right side of the vehicle, neatly placed between the chassis and the load body near the spare wheel housing. This chamber houses the CNG fuel refilling nozzle and can be locked manually. It also features a pressure gauge to indicate the amount of CNG in the tank, in addition to the digital cluster inside the cabin.

However, the brake fluid refilling tank is placed on the cowl section of the cabin, easily accessible to anyone. It would have been more secure if it were located inside the cabin, keeping it out of reach from unauthorised individuals.

Verdict

The Mahindra Jeeto range of trucks offers a compelling package, especially considering their affordable price range. They are ideal for first-time business owners and drivers looking to introduce their own haulage vehicle for business purposes to drive profitability. With a high-mileage engine, this vehicle range also presents a cost-effective solution for businesses.