Mahindra KUV100 is an attractive compact SUV

"The Mahindra KUV100 offers a young design language with lots of urban appeal at a compelling price tag," finds Faisal Khan, MotorBeam.com. 

Probably Mahindra's boldest attempt at producing a vehicle, the KUV100 takes the automaker in new waters with its compact dimensions, newly developed power train while bringing its SUV lineage into a mix. 

Predominantly an SUV maker, has the Indian auto giant got things right with its youngest SUV ever?

MotorBeam took to Mahindra's plant in Chakan to drive the KUV100 and figure that out for you.

The Mahindra KUV100 gets a smart looking front fascia lending an urban appeal with the sharp headlights with DRLs that make for a Range Rover Evoque like feel.

The bonnet gets neat grooves and the heavily detailed badging add a different touch.

The side profile feels unnecessarily overdone with the creases and the SUV's compact dimensions are the most noticeable here.

The massive crease extends to the rear like an eyebrow over the tail lights while reducing visual bulk is the blackened bumper for a rugged look.

The KUV100 gets door handles on the B-pillar similar to the Chevrolet Beat adding little value while the 14-inch alloy wheels although good, do not gel with the young SUV's proportions.

Mahindra has used a nice mix of beige and piano black colours inside the KUV100's cabin and the fit and finish is appreciable if not the best.

The instrument cluster gets all the essential information while the neatly laid out dashboard integrates almost everything including the gearshift lever, infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity as well as handbrake (pull-type) in the centre console below the AC vents.

Available in 5 and 6-seater models, the KUV offers decent headroom with comfortable front seats and gets a foldable middle seat, which when not used makes for a wide armrest.

The rear gets good legroom but feels claustrophobic because of the thick C-pillar while also compromising on sunlight.

There are lots of clever storage spaces inside the cabin but the boot can pack only basic luggage.

Power on the Mahindra KUV100 comes from the newly developed mFalcon family of engines.

The 1.2-litre petrol 3-cylinder G80 unit produces 82 HP at 5500 RPM and 114 Nm of torque between 3500-3600 RPM.

The engine isn't spirited and needs to be revved and in-gear acceleration leaves you disappointed.

Talking about the diesel, the 1.2-litre oil burner makes 77 HP at 3750 RPM and 190 Nm of torque between 1750-2250 RPM, and offers much better performance compared to the petrol version.

Turbo lag is well contained and feels more responsive. Still, one needs to work up to get the motor going.

The diesel also gets Power and ECO modes for improved efficiency.

The ECO does see a further drop in performance and feel sluggish. Mahindra's MicroHybrid technology is also present.

Both engines come paired to a 5-speed gearbox which is smooth while the clutch is light.

The Mahindra KUV100 also gets a light steering which makes the puny SUV a breeze to drive within city limits but isn't confidence inspiring on the highways.

The KUV also faces a lot of body roll due to the height and the MRF tyres offer mediocre grip and feedback.

Ride quality is good on tarmac but does get bouncy on patchy roads. Braking performance comes from the front discs and rear drum brakes and they do a good job at shedding speeds.

The hazard lights also start blinking under heavy braking. With Mahindra calling it an SUV, the 170 mm ground clearance feels inadequate.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the KUV petrol returns an ARAI certified 18.15 km/l while the diesel extracts 25.32 km/l. 

Mahindra's smallest SUV is a good product at the end of the day and the competitive pricing does make it an attractive proposition.

But, when compared to competition coming from Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10, the shortcomings are more than just evident with the rivals boasting of being better packaging.

This makes the KUV more likable for folks in Tier II and Tier III markets for its butch looks and compact powertrain, but it's in no league of the TUV300 or Ford EcoSport that are actual compact SUVs.

Powered by