Mahindra is set to launch the KUV100 in India on January 15. The pseudo-SUV will compete with the B-segment hatchbacks, with sub-four metre length and new small petrol and diesel engines. The pricing and other details will be available close to the launch, till then here is a quick download on everything we know about the car.
The KUV100 will be available in five-seater and six-seater options starting with the K4 variant. The five-seater model has the standard bucket seats at the front. The six-seater versions on the other hand uses bench seat, wherein the backrest at the centre can be folded to create an armrest when not occupied. Unlike in the Datsun GO, where the company claimed it was mainly for utility, Mahindra considers this a seat and is even offering a lap belt for the middle passenger at the front.
The dashboard obviously has been modified to seat three people. The tiny gear stick is part of the waterfall dashboard layout, which also houses the music system and AC controls. In the top-end, the music system has Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity with controls on the steering wheel. All the switches and the instrument console, along with the ambient lights have aqua blue colour that looks premium. The dashboard looks modest with grey trim, only the top-end variant gets piano black inserts to give it a premium touch.
The boot is sufficiently large, but the space is mainly due to the depth that is courtesy the tall boy design. The door handles at the back of the KUV100 are vertical on the C-pillar, like we have seen in the Chevrolet Beat. The KUV100 will be available in seven colour options – flamboyant red, pearl white, aquamarine, designer grey, dazzling silver, fiery orange and midnight black.
The petrol engine of the KUV100 is a 1.2-litre unit tuned to produce 82bhp and 115Nm of torque. The diesel engine is of similar capacity and delivers 77bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both the engines have an all-aluminium construct and are part of Mahindra’s new mFalcon family of engines.
Mahindra will specifically target the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 with this model. The five-seater variants are expected to be sold mainly in the cities, whereas the six-seater is aimed at the rural markets.