The Mahindra KUV100 is a mini compact SUV produced by the Indian multinational automobile manufacturing company Mahindra and Mahindra Limited. This sub-four meter SUV is built on the monocoque chassis and comes in 24 versions with one transmission, two engine and two fuel options. The Mahindra KUV100 is available in five seater and flexi-six seater options.
The price of the Mahindra KUV100 begins from Rs 4.56 lakh and goes up to Rs 7.07 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom New Delhi. The major competitors of the Mahindra KUV100 are the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo, Tata Bolt, Fiat Avventura, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20 Active and Toyota Etios Liva.
ENGINE AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Mahindra KUV100 comes in both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2 liter three cylinder, 1198 cc petrol engine, which is known as mFALCON G80, produces 82 BHP of power at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 114 Nm at 3500 – 3600 rpm.
On the other hand, the 1.2 litre, 1198 cc diesel engine mFALCON D75 churns out 77 BHP of power at 3750 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1750 – 2250 rpm. These engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and the 2WD system and, at the same time both engines are graded with emission level BS IV.
Besides, the Mahindra KUV100 has a minimum turning circle radius of 5.05 metre and a fuel tank capacity of 35 liters.
So far as mileage is concerned, the petrol powered Mahindra KUV100 returns a mileage of 18.15 kmpl. Whereas, the diesel powered Mahindra KUV100 is the country’s most fuel efficient diesel SUV as it gives a mileage of 25.32 kmpl, as the company claims. The fuel efficiency figures are ARAI-certified.
EXTERIOR
The exterior of the Mahindra KUV100 is decent. The front fascia of the SUV looks aggressive and sporty. The large wraparound headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps provides the car a decent look. The Mahindra signature lean radiator grille houses vertically placed chrome finished fillets.
Other features of the Mahindra KUV100 include electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, integrated spoiler atop, captivatingly designed tail lamps, body coloured bumpers, roof mounted antenna, roof rails, puddle lights, body coloured outside mirrors and body coloured door handles body.
Dimensionally, the Mahindra KUV 100 measures 3,675 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, 1,635 mm in height along with a wheelbase of 2,385 mm. Furthermore, the high ground clearance of 170 mm is one of the best features of the Mahindra KUV100.
The Mahindra KUV100 comes in seven exciting colours namely Flamboyant Red, Dazzling silver, Fiery Orange, Midnight Black, Pearl White, Aquamarine and Designer Gray.
INTERIOR
The Mahindra KUV100 comes with a light grey interior which looks stylish. The SUV gets a sporty steering wheel along with an easy to read instrument cluster. This instrument cluster houses a speedometer, a rev counter and an MID (Multi Information Display). The dashboard is stylish too. The centre console of the car houses touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, hands free, DIS, USB and AUX-in port and AC vent on top.
One of the major highlights of the Mahindra KUV100 is its seating configuration, which comes in 5-seats (2+3) and 6-seats (3+3) layout . At the same time, the SUV has generous amount of head-room, shoulder-room and leg-room.
Other features of the SUV include power windows, cooled glove box, illuminated key hole, height adjustable driver seat, foldable centre seat, drive side cabin holder, sunglass holder, cup holders and one litre bottle holder in all doors. In addition, the Mahindra KUV100 comes with a 243 litres of boot space which can be further extended up to 473 litres.
PERFORMANCE
The Mahindra KUV100 is a good performer. The steering of the car is light and ride quality is also nice. On the braking front, the SUV is fitted with ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. Besides, it has Indepedent McPherson Strut with Dual Path Mounts and Semi-independent Twist Beam with Coil Spring suspensions.
In terms of safety, the Mahindra KUV100 comes equipped with a number of active and passive safety features like dual front airbag, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), keyless entry, automatic door lock, child safety locks on rear doors, ISOFIX child seat mount on rear seat, central door locking, anti theft security alarm, engine immobilizer, gearshift cluster indicator and door open indicator.
ADVANTAGES
The Mahindra KUV100 comes available in an optional six seater variant, which is indeed first in segment. The diesel motor of the Mahindra KUV100 is amongst the most fuel efficient, since it offers an impressive mileage of 25.32 kmpl. Moreover, the top end variant of the Mahindra KUV100 comes with electronic start – stop system that saves fuel.
DRAWBACKS
The rear bumper of the Mahindra KUV100 does not look decent. Seats of the car are hard. Besides, the NVH (Noise, Vibrations, Harshness) levels, especially in the diesel variants, are higher.
VERDICT
The Mahindra KUV100 is an excellent SUV especially for the young generation. In addition, the SUV is also the best choice for those who want a six-seater on a budget.
