Mahindra Blazo HCV Truck Range - TechSpecs & Review

At the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo last month, Mahindra's Trucks and Buses division launched their latest HCV (Heavy Commercial Vehicles) truck series 'BLAZO', which includes haulage, tractor trailer, and tipper variants. The Blazo series weighs high in the HCV segment, thanks to the company's FuelSmart Technology-tweaked CRDe engine along with multi-drive modes for better fuel economy and a 48-hours back-on-road breakdown service guarantee.

To start with, the Blazo range consists of truck variants in 4x2, 6x4, and 8x4 axle configurations. They are available in both tandem cowl-type chassis or tractor-trailer type, along with a 8x4 axle tipper variant. The GVW capacity of the trucks range from 25-49 tonnes depending on the axle configuration.

Design wise, the Blazo series is only marginally different from the existing range in the company stable including the Truxo multi axle, Torro tippers and Traco tractor trailers truck models. In fact, entire range of the Mahindra trucks share similar cabin and technicals including the powertrain. The Blazo features profiled headlamps and other insignificant detailing in the skin, while on the inside, the range gets improved cabin and adjustable seating including the new 4-spoke steering wheel and instrument cluster design. The trucks also get a multi-purpose driver information display located in the instrument cluster.

Mahindra Blazo series is offered in 4x2, 6x4, and 8x4 axle configurations

The Blazo series is powered by the in-house 6-cylinder mPower 7.2-litre common-rail diesel mill featuring the company's Fuel Smart technology. The engine develops a maximum power of 220 hp at 2200 rpm and a maximum torque of 800 Nm at 1100-1700 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sourced from Eaton, featuring a 395 mm Diaphragm-type single plate Dry-type clutch. The volume of the fuel tank is 350 litres. The multi-mode driving is the defining feature of this truck range. Drivers can switch between three driving modes - Turbo, Heavy and Light - suitable for the load and road conditions, which will have a definitive impact on the fuel efficiency.

Mahindra Blazo 37 multi-axle tandem variant

The maximum speed of the Blazo range is limited to 80 kmph, while the gradability varies from 18% to 25% depending on the variant. Other features includes optional cabin air-conditioning in all variants, tilt and telescopic power steering, and a single sleeper birth. In terms of safety, features such as ABS braking with full air S-cam (10 bar system), speed limiter, and seat belts are on the offer.

On the whole, the Blazo series is well-qualified and competent enough to serve the entry-level to medium-end buyers in the heavy-hauling truck segment. Wide and flexible axle and chassis configurations, modern cabin, superior fuel economy claims, and brand reliability are the Blazo's biggest advantages. The segment is already witnessing stiff competition, thanks to aggressive products including Ashok Leyland's Captain series, Tata's latest Signa range of trucks, Eicher's Pro series, and BharatBenz's heavy-duty trucks.

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Mahindra Blazo Series - Image Gallery (from 2016 Auto Expo)