Mahindra & Mahindra today launched the KUV100 compact SUV at a starting price of Rs 4.42 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).
The KUV100 (pronounced KUV ‘one double oh’) has seven variants on offer, starting with the base K2, going up to K2+, K4, K4+,K6, K6+ and the top-spec K8.
Prices for the petrol variants start at Rs 4.42 lakh for the entry-level model and go up to Rs 5.91 lakh for the top-spec version. The diesel range starts at Rs 5.22 lakh and tops out at Rs 6.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).
The compact SUV has been designed and developed at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. The KUV100 will go up against established players such as the Maruti Celerio, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Swift. It features a distinct crossover design, unlike the boxy outline of the TUV300, which sets it apart from the competition.
At the front, the KUV100 gets a slim, high-set grille and large prominent headlamps with LED elements that extend to the front pillar. The squared wheel arches and high-set fenders lend the car a muscular appeal while the sloping roofline adds some sportiness. The rear doors feature pillar-mounted door handles, like on the Chevrolet Beat.
The KUV100 will be powered by Mahindra’s all-new mFalcon engine family, and offer two engine options. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol motor making 82bhp at 5,500rpm and 11.73kgm of torque at 3,500-3,600rpm. The diesel is also a 1.2-litre three-cylinder motor that puts out 77bhp at 3,750rpm and 19.37kgm of torque at 1,750-2,250rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an all-new five-speed manual transmission.
Inside, the KUV100 ditches the conventional 2+3 seating arrangement for a 3+3 layout which makes it the only six seater in the segment. The arrangement has been made possible by the addition of a bench seat. To house the bench seat, the gear lever has been mounted on the dash and the handbrake moved to the base of the centre console. The six-seat layout comes as standard on the K2 and K2+ variant, while other variants get the option of the five-seat as well.
In terms of safety, the carmaker has offered ABS and EBD as standard across the range; dual front airbags are standard on the top variant and is available as an option on other trims.
Read our Mahindra KUV100 review