Mahindra has officially taken the wraps of S101 compact SUV and now it will be called as Mahindra KUV100, the ‘K’ in the ‘KUV100’ stands for “Kompact”. With the launch of KUV100, Indian automobile market might see start of a new segment called ‘Micro SUV’ which will see another new entrant in the form of Maruti Ignis. The compact SUV has been developed at Mahindra research valley.
According to M&M, the car has been designed to attract the younger audiences. The new sub 4m SUV will be launched on 15th January 2016 and bookings for it are already open with the booking amount of Rs. 10,000. Bollywood heartthrob Varun Dhawan is the brand ambassador KUV100. Here is all you need to know about the micro SUV:-
Price and Competition:
Though it’s a SUV but it will come at the price range of hatchbacks like Grand i10, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Tata Zica. The petrol variants of KUV100 is expected to arrive at Rs. 4-6 lakh while the diesel variants can come at a price bracket of Rs. 4.5-6.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The KUV100 looks like a Micro SUV but it will lock its horns with Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10, Tata Zica etc. The real competition will come from the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Datsun Redi Go.
Engine Details:
Mahindra will introduce new range of engines with KUV100 called mFALCON made up of an all-aluminium body and will be offered in both diesel and petrol powertrains. The petrol engine is badged as mFALCON G80 and delivers 82bhp@5500 and 114Nm of peak torque. The diesel mill is christened as mFALCON D75 that churns out power of 77bhp@3750rpm and 190nm of torque@1750rpm. It is likely to come with front wheel drive configuration only and transmission options may include a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox.
Mahindra KUV100 petrol trim could deliver a mileage of around 21 Kmpl while 1.2-litre oil burner could return over 25 Kmpl.
Space and Dimensions:
Mahindra has not disclosed the specifications yet but it will less than four metres and will come with 3+3 seating arrangement. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the car is expected to offer more than decent cabin space.
Exterior and Interior:
As far as design goes, it gets typical Mahindra familiar design with bin parts inspired by the big bulbous XUV500. It sports a sculpted look with wide grille and vertical slats, wraparound headlamps flanked by LED DRLs and high belt line. Side flaunts high ground clearance, roof rails, plastic wheel arches, ORVMs with turn indicators, multi spoke 15 inch alloy wheels, plastic wheel arches for a sportier SUV stance. The SUV also feature vertical door handles with chrome highlight which is quite similar to Chevrolet beat.
The KUV300 is expected to come with a good level of equipment options such as integrated infotainment system with USB and connectivity, multifunction steering wheels, piano black finish on central console and door panels, rectangular AC vents etc.
Colors:
The KUV100 will come in seven thrilling colors- Flamboyant Red, Dazzling Silver, Pearl White, Fiery Orange Aquamarine, Midnight Black and Designer Grey.
Safety:
All 4 variants will have optional airbags along with ABS as standard while the top variants will get airbags as standard with other prominent standard safety features.
Here is the variant wise feature analysis of KUV100-
The baby XUV500 is available in four variants-K2, K4, K6 and K8
Mahindra KUV100 K2- The base variant offers body colored bumpers, LED indicators, rear spoiler, front armrest, AC with heater, instrument cluster with gearshift indicator, engine immobilizer, illuminated key hole, electric power steering with tilt function, ABS with EBD etc.
Mahindra KUV100 K4- In addition to features of K2 variant, K4 offers- wheel arch cladding, body color door handles, steel wheel with caps, all four power windows, foldable rear seats, central locking, ABS with EBD and engine immobilizer.
Mahindra KUV100 K6- The k6 variant adds blacked out b-pillar, door side cladding, chrome front grille, roof rails, roof mounted antenna, keyless entry, sunglass holder, cooled glove box, AC with heater, body color door handles and ORVMs, wheel caps, mud flaps, infotainment system with 2 tweeters and 4 speakers, follow me headlamps and two drive mode: Power and Eco. K6+ variant gets all the features and dual front airbags.
Mahindra KUV100 K8- The top end variant K8 comes with all the bells and whistles of aforementioned variants along with features like front fog lamps, 12- spoke alloy wheels, integrated LED daytime running lights, all door puddle lamps, hybrid system, silver accents at rear door handles, driver side seat adjustment function, rear armrest, dual airbags, ABS, EBD and engine immobilizer.
