Mahindra’s next compact crossover likely to be called KUV100

Mahindra’s fixation with the ‘double oh’ nomenclature won’t be put to rest so soon. After the XUV 500 and the recent TUV300, the company is likely to call its next product ‘KUV100′. A report by GaadiWaadi has outed the information (and even a logo to back the claim) that Mahindra has applied for a trademark for the said name.

Rendering courtesy of IndianAutosBlog.

Mahindra currently has two sub 4-meter products that could be launched soon. One is the Quanto facelift while the other is the monocoque-based, more car-like crossover, codenamed S101. And according to the report, there are two names that have been registered by Mahindra: KUV100 and YUVO.

It was speculated earlier that the S101 could have a CUV or an XUV prefix. While KUV100 sits perfectly in line with the current naming strategy, it’s more likely to be used for the S101. Not only is it an all new product, if you look at its possible placement in the market, it’s much more important than the Quanto facelift.

As mentioned, the S101 is expected to be more car-like, both in terms of looks and (hopefully) dynamics. The footprint is also likely to be smaller, and it’s expected to take on hatchback based crossovers like the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura, etc. Powertrain choices could include new 1.2-litre petrol engine co-developed with Ssangyong and a 1.5-litre diesel unit, while an AWD system isn’t likely to make it to the crossover. But looking at the popularity, an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) could be available as an option – it will also get Mahindra a segment-first advantage.

And as far as the Quanto facelift is concerned, Mahindra currently has the TUV300 in its place, so the company will have to ensure that there’s no cannibalisation. How and when that happens remains to be seen.