Mahindra KUV 100 NXT launched; Cheaper than Maruti Swift, Ford Figo & Hyundai Grand i10

Mahindra and Mahindra has launched a facelifted version of their entry-level vehicle – the KUV 100. The new vehicle comes with a host of cosmetic changes and is known as the KUV100 NXT. The facelift KUV 100 is priced at Rs. 4.39 lakhs, ex-showroom, Mumbai, for the K2 base variant. This makes the 6 seat micro SUV cheaper than the Maruti Swift (4.9 lakhs), the Ford Figo (4.8 lakhs) and the Hyundai Grand i10 (4.6 lakhs). 

Variant wise prices (introductory) – ex-showroom Mumbai

Petrol – K2 – 4.39 lakh, K2+ 4.79 lakh – K4+ 5.24 lakh , K6 – 6.04 lakh, K8 – 6.4 lakh

Diesel – K2 – 5.39 lakh, K2+ – 5.63 lakh, K4  – 6.11 lakh, K6 – 6.95 lakh, 7.33 lakh

What are the changes?

The KUV gets as many as 40 updates as compared to the older version of the vehicle as per Mahindra.

On the outside, the KUV 100 gets new bumpers at the front and the rear. The bumpers now have deeper creases that make the vehicle more distinctive look. Mahindra terms the KUV 100 as a micro SUV and with the new bumpers, it looks more imposing than competition. The bumpers get satin inserts at the bottom which act like faux skid plates.

With the upgraded bumpers, the car now gets better approach and departure angle making it rough road-friendly. The other changes in the front includes chrome dipped grille. Apart from that, the big headlamps have been updated with dual barrel inserts.

On the side, the KUV 100 NXT gets new 15-inches diamond cut alloy wheels, that complement the overall look of the vehicle. At the rear of the vehicle, KUV 100 gets a new tail gate. Mahindra has updated the tail lamps to clear lens lamps. 

On the inside, the KUV 100 gets an all-black scheme on the top-end variant. There is aslo addition of a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system gets Blue Sense support that shows vehicle info, controls, warnings and service reminders. The infotainment system also gets average fuel economy, distance to empty, reverse park assist, DRL control, and vehicle alerts. The infotainment also gets 3D navigation maps with speed alerts. 

Mahindra has made the 3+3 seating as standard on the KUV 100. It will be only available in 6-seat variant but the 5-seater version will be available on order. This was done due to the higher popularity of the 6-seat version of the vehicle.

Mahindra has added new features like electronic temperature control, remote keyless entry and electrically adjustable gate, electrically adjustable ORVM and power and eco mode. The car also gets Micro Hybrid start/stop system that increases the fuel efficiency by 3-4%. The new KUV 100 also gets intellipark system (reverse parking sensors).

Space inside remains the same however, Mahindra has increased the size of the vehicle slightly. 

What are the mechanical changes?

The KUV 100 now gets improved suspension system. The suspension travel has been increased, which in turn makes the vehicle more comfortable for the occupants. Mahindra has also upgraded the insulation that makes the cabin quieter than before.

The engine and transmission options will remain unchanged. The KUV 100 comes with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.2-litre diesel engine. Both the engines are three-cylinder engines. The petrol version produces a maximum power of 82 Bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque. The diesel engine produces a maximum of 77 Bhp and 190 Nm. Both the engine get 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

The KUV 100 comes with standard front airbags, ABS+EBD across all the variants. The only exception is the base K2 variant which does not get the airbags