Mahindra KUV100 review, road test

Less than a year after the launch of its TUV300, Mahindra has launched another sub-four-metre SUV. We find out what’s different.

Published on Mar 09, 2016 02:06:00 PM

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Overdone styling with excess of creases reflects lack of design maturity.

Headlamps with stretched plastic extensions inspired by sunglasses.

If you don’t already know, your friendly salesperson will go to great lengths to point out that the KUV cabin’s USP is the advantage of six seats, just like on the Datsun Go. This has been made possible by positioning the gear lever and handbrake lever on the centre console, freeing up floor space for the additional seat up front. But what distinguishes the car from the Datsun Go is that the KUV is certified as a six-seater. Though three adults can squeeze in up front, the middle passenger legroom is limited, making it more suitable for a child. Question is, would you want your most precious cargo seated within striking distance of the centre console and gear lever? Also, folding down the middle seat backrest turns it into a large armrest and that is the best way to use (or rather, not use) the sixth perch. However, the flat bench type front seat doesn’t offer the kind of back or side support the standard version’s shapelier individual chairs do.

High-set seats and flat floors, front and back, mean getting in and out of the KUV’s cabin is easy. What’s also a relief is that unlike the exteriors, the KUV’s cabin is smart and restrained in design. The ‘bowed’ dashboard that rises towards the middle is the centrepiece and comes finished in nice, textured plastics on the top, though quality lower down is not great. Boring monochrome display for the audio player apart, we didn’t have much else to complain about with the well laid-out centre console. Drivers will also like the three-spoke steering wheel that’s good to hold, though the inconvenient pull-type handbrake is unlikely to find many fans. On our test car, the handbrake lever malfunctioned, making hill starts quite tricky.

Those seated on the KUV’s rear seat will be surprised by the space and comfort on offer. There’s generous leg, head and shoulder room, the backrest position is just right and there’s even a foldable centre armrest. And all three rear passengers get adjustable headrests, which enhances their overall comfort levels. The spoiler though is the blanked-out space after the rear windows (there to accommodate the exterior door handle) that cuts outside visibility. Form unfortunately followed function here.

In terms of utility space, the KUV offers plenty. Each door gets a bottle holder, there are two cup holders in the armrests, the glovebox is large and there’s even a hidden recess on the floor near the rear seat. The six-seat version also gets a removable storage bin that sits under the front passenger seat, though there’s no ◊ ∆ dedicated space to keep smaller items like a mobile phone. The five-seat version is more practical in that sense, thanks to the large cubby between the front seats. Boot space, at 243 litres, is not massive but the rear seat does fold to increase capacity. Trouble is, the boot sill is high and the loading lip is narrow.