Mahindra bets big on KUV100
In order to have a strong position in the below Rs 7 lakh segment, Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV ) specialist Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) launched its all new KUV100. The new compact car will be powered by an all-new petrol and diesel engines, badged as MFalcon G80 and D75, which are developed completely in-house by Mahindra. Mahindra has positioned KUV100 below the recently launched TUV300 and XUV500 in its current line-up. The design of the vehicle is inspired from the Ssangyong Tivoili with trendy curves and muscular sides.
Designed and developed at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai, the sub-four-metre KUV100 fits more in the premium hatchback segment than in the compact SUV segment, largely due to its pricing strategy. In India, the KUV100 will go up against established hatchbacks such as the Hyundai Grand i10 and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. KUV100, built on an all-new monocoque platform carries a contemporary urban crossover look. The sculpted exterior with sharp lines, prominent hood, high beltline and dynamic design, aggressive front fascia, chiseled muscular body and large square wheel arches establish its dominating road presence and lends it the SUV stance. The refined interiors aptly complement the exteriors with their spacious and stylish feel, unique flexi 6 seating capacity, intuitive features and innovative storage spaces.
Veejay Ram Nakra, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Customer Care, Automotive Division, M&M said, “The launch of the KUV100 is a defining moment in the automotive journey of Mahindra. The KUV100 is our first foray into a grounds-up petrol engine and with it we are defining a new SUV sub-seg- ment and targeting a new customer group. We are confident that this new vehicle will create a huge impact both in Indian and in the export market as well. The newly developed engine is capable of addressing all the market condition and if required we can also increase the capacity of the engines according to the market requirement.”
For the first time Mahindra has developed the new petrol engine code named G80 an all-aluminium threecylinder, 1.2-litre unit with 4 valves per head and a double overhead camshaft with variable timing on both intake and exhaust valves. It produces an impressive 81.8bhp at 5,500rpm. On the other hand the diesel engine is also a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre unit though this one uses a cast iron block and aluminium head. This turbocharged engine makes 76.4bhp at 3,750rpm. The company claims a fuel efficiency of 25.32 km/l (ARAI certified) for the KUV100 and rates it as India’s most fuel efficient diesel SUV.
As an unique feature the KUV100 has an option of changing the seating configuration as per your convenience with the unique, 1st in class flexi-6 seater option to seat 6 passengers quite comfor tably. This flexible 6th seat can also be conver ted to a large armrest for the driver and co- driver. The KUV100 has 7 variants on offer – K2, K2+, K4, K4+,K6, K6+ and the top-spec K8. Prices for the petrol variants star t at Rs 4.54 lak h and go up to Rs 5.91 lak h for the top-spec model. The base diesel is priced at Rs 5.35 lak h, going up to Rs 6.93 lak h (All prices ex-showroom, Chennai). Apar t from its dealer network , M&M will be using various e - commerce platforms to sell the car and is already accepting bookings on Flipk ar t and its own e -retail platform, M2ALL.