Tata Tiago NRG vs Mahindra KUV100 [2016-2017]

Tata Motors believes there is still a market for beefy-looking hatchbacks, so they have returned with the Tiago NRG. The Tiago hatchback received a major facelift last year, Tata has also decided to give the same treatment to the NRG. So what's new? We find out.

It’s Mahindra’s rival to the ever impressive Maruti Swift and quite a unique one at that. It’s because of the way it looks – like an SUV. Sure, there is no shortage of stylish hatchbacks in the segment, but with the KUV 100, Mahindra has tried to give it a chunky, crossover-like stance and it definitely stands out from the crowd. As SUVs are the flavour of the moment in our country a jacked-up look assures its appeal.

A brilliant concept. Take one portion SUV crazed nation. Add a huge middle class to it. And then top it up with bad roads. And what you get is a desperate need for an SUV that is efficient, spacious, rugged and only as expensive as a hatchback. The Mahindra KUV100 is the answer to this need. At least on paper. It starts at Rs 4.42 lakh, comes with a claimed fuel economy of over 18kmpl (for the petrol), is tall and wide in order to liberate good interior room, and because it is a Mahindra, let’s assume, it is also rugged.