Mahindra KUV100 photo gallery

From the head on, the KUV looks like a modern-day SUV, with styling cues seemingly borrowed from new SsangYong concepts. The headlights are reminiscent of those on the Range Rover Evoque, and the short grille-tall front fascia brings to mind the Ford EcoSport.

Rear styling misses the mark. It is very hatchback-like, with hints of crossover styling. The tail-lights are prominent and protruding, but that sharp crease running over the upper edge is a tad bit oddly placed.

The large, squared wheel arches add to the KUV100's SUV looks, though they make the 15-inch alloys look small.

The rear door handles come mounted on the C-pillar. Only the top-end variant gets them finished in silver though.

The single-piece tail-lamps look distinctive; the sharp crease above them makes the rear look a bit fussy though.

The KUV100 gets pillar-mounted door handles for the rear doors, just like the Chevrolet Beat.

In the six-seat version KUV100, the centre seat's backrest folds down to become a large centre arm rest.

The three-abreast arrangement though good for kids is uncomfortable for adults, apart from being frankly unsafe despite there being a lap belt for the middle occupant.

The KUV100’s dashboard looks distinctive with a centre console-mounted gear lever and handbrake, freeing up space for a third seat at the front.

The centre console, though distinctive, is not the most stylish. However, the top-spec KUV does get an audio system with USB, aux and Bluetooth connectivity.

The gearbox is within easy reach of the driver. That it delivers crisp, short throws is one of the car's highlights.

The backseat is collapsible if the 243-litre boot space falls short. However, access to the boot is somewhat hindered by a high and narrow loading lip.

The glovebox, though relatively plain, is deep and spacious.

The KUV has been designed to provide ample of storage space. A clever example is the deep, removable tray placed below the front passenger seat.

Rear legroom is ample, while the wide rear seat and the absence of a centre floor tunnel allows a third occupant to be seated comfortably.

Clever storage box hidden in the floor between the seats.

The new mFalcon D75 1.2-litre turbo-diesel engine makes 76.4bhp and 19.37kgm and comes with a choice of two drive modes – Power and Eco. There is also a 1.2 petrol on offer, developing 81.8bhp and 11.7kgm.

The five-seat version gets a handy storage console in place of the front centre seat.

The instrument cluster is quite plain, but you get everything you need in an uncluttered package.