Priced at INR 3.43 lakhs (Jaipur). On sale in 30 cities now; 100 cities by end of this year.
Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd has launched the Multix BS IV light utility vehicle early this week, which can now be sold in all major cities across the country including four metros. The start-up JV between the Eicher Motors and Polaris India is in expansion mode now, with the launch of the Multix in Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Dealership outlets will be active in 100 cities by the end of this year, add the company.
The Multix is definitely a first-of-its-kind vehicle in India, thanks to its "3 in one" formula of personal mobility, business light cargo haulage, and power generation. Isn't it intriguing that your vehicle can light up your home, power up public address system for some political rally, or even run some agricultural machinery like water pump for your farm? Not to forget, the Multix can seat up to five passenger including driver for short trips, and also carry some cargo with 1,918 liters of cumulative cargo space! Although it may not be extremely practical as it sounds, the Multix's only concern is multi-utility, and can even be claimed as the 'real' multi-utility vehicle ever.
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| Eicher Polaris Multix is more of a 'rural lifestyle vehicle' where multi-tasking and simplicity is adored |
Carrying people and cargo is simple, but how come power generation you might wonder. The Multix 'X-Port' feature is basically an in-built power generator that can produce up to 3 kW of electricity, more than adequate to run most of home appliances and farm equipment. The port is situated at the rear end of the vehicle. The primary source of power is the vehicle's engine - a 510.7cc single cylinder naturally-aspirated diesel engine with direct injection assembled by Greaves. The engine delivers a max power of 9.78 bhp and 27.1 Nm of peak torque at 1,400 rpm. A 4-speed manual gearbox delivers power to the rear wheels.
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| Eicher Polaris Multix X-Port can generate up to 3 kW of electricity that can be used for various purposes |
The company says that the Multix has undergone 18,00,000 kms of serious testing in India and US on its reliability, safety, and durability. The vehicle is also claimed to drive smoothly, with better ability to take on broken roads and rough terrain, especially against other 3-wheelers and other light commercial vehicles in its segment. It features 'Pro Ride' independent suspension system in all wheels, while the tubular body frame provides structural stability and roll-over protection. It weighs just 750 kgs (MX 4-door model).
The Multix is available in two variants - AX+ and MX. The AX+ has open doorways (akin to a auto-rickshaws), while the MX variant comes with rigid doors. The vehicle also boasts standard seat belts, although goodies like air-conditioning and power steering aren't available. The Multix is more of a 'rural lifestyle vehicle' since multi-tasking and simplicity is well-adored in rural mobility.
Eicher Polaris's assembly line in Kukas near Jaipur has a total capacity of 60,000 units per annum. With its network expansion on full swing, expect more of Multix on road in the days to come.
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