Mahindra KUV100

The KUV100 by Mahindra& Mahindra is an SUV-ish hatchback. The KUV stands for a Kool Utility Vehicle. With the KUV100, Mahindra is targeting the urban and dynamic youth.

EXTERIOR
The KUV100 sports stylish dual tone exteriors. The front fascia of the KUV100 features a sleek front grille, a buffed-up bumper and large sweptback headlamps with LED. The shallow greenhouse area give the side profile an aggressive appeal. The rear door handles are integrated in the rear window panel, same as in that of the Chevrolet Beat. The rear profile of the KUV100 is looks modern, is less aggressive and looks palatable. The KUV100 has a high ground clearance of 1700mm and runs on 185/65 R14 tubeless radial tyres.

INTERIOR
The inside of the KUV100 feature a flowing dash design layout which is simple yet unique for its class, along with an easy-read instrument cluster with DIS and gearshift indicator. The central console is subtly designed with vertically stacked AC vents/controls, a simple looking integrated audio system and a gear shifter alongside.
Though the build quality could have been better, but the fit—finish and the feel of the materials is quite good. The KUV100 comes with 2 seating options – a 5 seater and a 6 seater. The 6 seater is a 3+3 seater with a bench like seat in the front, while the 5 seater gets proper bucket seats in the front row. The leg/head/shoulder room in the front is adequate but the rear leg-room feels a little smaller.
The feature list includes ABS with EBD, keyless entry, in-dash music system with Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in connectivity, along with steering mounted controls electrically foldable mirrors, LED DRLs, puddle lamps for all 4 doors, micro-hybrid technology, Power-Eco mode (only for Diesel), power outlet in the second row, ambient lighting, foldable rear seat, and an ISOFIX child seat mount.

ENGINE, PERFORMANCE & FUEL ECONOMY
The KUV100 with both diesel and petrol options.
The KUV100 petrol is powered by the mFalcon G80 1.2L 3-cylinder all-aluminum unit, which produces 83Ps of power and a peak torque of 115Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. While the KUV100 diesel is powered by mFalcon D75 1.2L CRDi unit, which churns out 78Ps of power and a peak torque of 190Nm, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The ARAI certified mileage of the petrol engine is 18.15kmpl and that of the diesel variant is 25.32kmpl.

RIDE, HANDLING & SAFETY
The ride and handling is also sorted with independent McPherson Strut suspension with dual path mounts, coil springs and hydraulic gas charges shock absorber in the front and semi-independent twist beam suspension with coil spring and hydraulic gas charged shock absorber at the rear.
Also the KUV100 is well-equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes, along with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, child safety locks and automatic hazard warning lamps.

CONCLUSION
The Mahindra KUV100 is the best proposition in its class. It is strong, bold and is even priced superbly. It is a great value for money vehicle.