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Mahindra KUV100 Compact SUV
The Mahindra slogan is, “Cool Does Not Have to Cost!”
Well it does, but if you look at the price and what you get it does cost a lot less than some of the other brands in this sector. Mahindra is set to obtain a slice of the budget compact SUV market and typical of the Indian manufacturer, they are doing it their way.
The Mahindra KUV100 is a genuine compact SUV that is funky, modern looking and provides aggressive design features. It boasts a range of external and interior accessories that will thrill even the most demanding South African drivers. The KUV100 is both tall and wide and literally stands head and shoulders above its competition. Both a petrol and diesel variant with 3 distinct trim levels, namely the K4+, K6+, and the K8 are available for clients thus giving them a fair choice of what they want.
The exterior looks imposing, with the front grill and unique wraparound headlamps forming part of ‘its not so ordinary’ tough and rugged looking styling.
But that is not all that is on offer with the reliable Mahindra KUV100, as it is also powered by the all-new mFalcon engines, which are known for their outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low maintenance costs. Don’t expect fireworks from the engines but it is adequate for what is needed as long as you are not in too much of a hurry. It is a comfortable vehicle to drive and will be adequate to travel long distances. The Mahindra comes standard with power windows on all doors, central locking and gear indicator. Optional exterior kit are; Nudge Bars, Side Steps and Removable Bicycle Carrier. If the price is taken into consideration with the optional equipment the Mahindra is still a very good buy in this sector. It is a very nice mommy’s car taking three baby seats plus bags and much more when taking the children to school. It is economical and easy to handle through traffic.
Mahindra KUV100 Engine Specs
The KUV100 in South Africa is available with a choice of both petrol and turbodiesel drivetrains. This gives them 2 very different KUV100 Engine Specs numbers, but the one thing that remains constant for both is the proven reliability of Mahindra designed engines.
ENGINE FUEL POWER TORQUE CUBIC CAPACITY
mFalcon G80 Petrol 61 kW 115 Nm 1198cc
mFalcon D75 Diesel 57kW 190Nm 1198cc
Engine Consumption Rate CO2 Emission
mFalcon G80 Petrol 5.9 L/100 km* (Combined Cycle) 139g per km*
mFalcon D75 Diesel 4.4 L/100 km* (Combined Cycle) 117g per km*
Thanks to micro-hybrid technology (engine start/stop on K8+ Only) the reliable mFalcon engines offer higher fuel efficiency and engine performance. When combined this with the Power/ECO mode available in the diesel K8, the vehicle allows for pure driving pleasure.
Price wise and with its cool looks the all new KUV100 from Mahindra is targeted to appeal to new vehicle buyers who would more often than not be looking for a little more like improved versatility, and affordability.
The KUV100 is available in South Africa in both a petrol and diesel variant and is built on a monocoque platform that is both wider and taller than all other hatchbacks of a similar length. This platform is exceptionally stable under South African driving conditions, and when you add the advanced safety features such as ABS with EBD, CBC, Duel Passenger and Driver Airbags, that come as standard in all 3 of the KUV100 variants (K4+, K6+, and the K8), you’ll be quick to realise that this New Mahindra Vehicle is going to be a massive hit in the price conscious but accessory demanding South African SUV market.
The KUV100 Model Range includes 3 levels of trim, the K4+, K6+, and the K8. The K4 is only available with a petrol engine, while the K6+, and the K8 have both a petrol and diesel option available to potential buyers. The K4+ comes standard with 14-inch steel wheels, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, electric windows, air-conditioning, manual central locking and a folding rear bench.
The K6+ adds a number of stylish and convenience features to the already considerable list of attributes of the KUV100, and these include chrome accents for the grille, colour-coded door handles, colour-coded exterior mirrors and door-side cladding. Inside the KUV100 K6+ is a veritable smorgasbord of features and includes a 3.5-inch display multi-information display, Bluetooth, USB port and a multifunction steering wheel.
The top trim level is the Mahindra KUV100 K8+, and it features not only all of the accessories found in the K6+, but also daytime running lights, alloy wheels, front and rear fog lights, silver-accentuated rear doors handles and a start-stop system that is exclusive to the turbodiesel derivative.
Mahindra KUV100 Safety Features
ABS with EBD
CBC
Collapsible steering column
Dual airbags (driver & passenger)
Child safety locks on rear doors
Engine immobilizer
Anti-slip clips for driver side floor mat
Mahindra’s KUV100 is cool, funky if you want and do give value for money at the lower end of the market. The interior is functional even with the hard plastic and finishing, not on a level of your prestigious brand. But as far as a buck goes it is still value for money and if Mahindra can ensure that problems that may turn up are dealt with quickly and professionally, the little Mahindra KUV100 will become more popular with the broader public.
