All you need to know about the new Mahindra KUV100

Following months of speculations, rumours and a series of spy shots, the Mahindra KUV100 has finally hit the showrooms. With ex-showroom prices ranging between Rs 4.42 lakh and Rs 6.76 lakh, the KUV100 is summoned to compete in the crucial mid-size hatchback segment, but with its SUV-like appearance and competitive prices, Mahindra is likely to find a whole load of buyers for this new model.

The KUV100 measures 3675mm in length, 1715mm in width and 1655mm in height – numbers that ideally pit this new model against the current crop of mid-size hatchbacks. However, the KUV looks quite unconventional with its high-riding stance, body cladding and flared wheel arches.

What features do you get?

Being a Mahindra, the KUV100 scores high when it comes to equipment. Depending on the variant, there’s a 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, cooled glove box, puddle lamps on all four doors, alloy wheels and lots more. The KUV also impresses in the safety department with all variants featuring ABS with EBD as standard. There’s also dual front airbags (for top-spec variants) and Isofix child seat mounts.

Storage spaces inside the cabin are plenty although it’s the bench-like seating arrangement at the front that’s all-new in this segment. What this means is that the KUV100 can accommodate up to six occupants with three in the front and three at the back. When not in use, the backrest for the middle passenger in the front can be folded down and be used as a massive armrest. Adding to the practicality quotient is the decently large 243litre boot which can be expanded to 473litres with the seats folded.

Two new engines

The KUV100 is a crucial product for Mahindra as it marks the brand’s foray into compact petrol and diesel engines. The car, in fact, is powered by Mahindra’s newly developed mFalcon all-aluminium 1.2-litre series engines. The petrol mFalcon G80 unit develops 82bhp at 5500rpm and 114Nm of torque between 3500-3600rpm while diesel models get the mFalcon D75 engine that develops 77bhp at 3725rpm and 190Nm of torque between 1750-2250rpm. Mahindra is even offering driving modes - Power and Eco, for the diesel-powered KUV100.

Contrary to previous reports, there is no AMT gearbox on offer for now. Instead, the KUV100 is being offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, given the rising popularity of AMTs among hatchbacks, Mahindra could add this vital driving feature as an optional extra in the coming months.

Both petrol and diesel-powered models come with a 35-litre fuel tank but it’s the diesel engined vehicle that will cover greater distance thanks to an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 25.3kmpl compared to the petrol powered model’s figure of 18.23kmpl.

Car or an SUV? 

The KUV100 is the second offering from Mahindra that uses a monocoque construction, after the XUV500. Thanks to this car-like construction, the KUV100 is dynamically superior compared to its bigger sibling, the TUV300 which uses a ladder frame like the Scorpio.  

Mahindra is offering the KUV100 in seven colour options and seven variants. Ex-showroom prices for the petrol powered variants range between Rs 4.42 lakh and Rs 5.91 lakh while diesel powered variants cost between Rs 5.22 lakh and Rs 6.76 lakh.