Mahindra freshens KUV range of compact crossovers
THE MAHINDRA KUV100 NXT has been given new features and several styling upgrades for the 2018 model year. The latest iterations come to market with a bold new look, which includes a new grille, larger alloy wheels on the K8 variant and re-designed tail lamps.
The vehicle’s re-freshed ‘seven-slot’ grille appears to be more aggressive, and the number plate now sits in a (dare we say it, sportier looking) blacked-out bumper section. There is also a new silver skid plate and new blacked-out surrounds for the integrated fog lights, which come standard on the K8 variant.
New 15-inch diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels on the K8 sit in flared wheel arches that now feature redesigned cladding.
On the roof, the integrated roof rails have been redesigned to be more aerodynamically efficient.
‘Fist-shaped’ side mirrors and rear door handles in the C-pillars have been retained, although the mirrors now incorporate the side indicator lights.
At the rear, the tail gate and rear bumper have been completely redesigned. The rear tail gate features deeper crease lines that form around double-barrel rear combination lights and a new electronic latch on certain models. Headlights are now also equipped with LED daytime running lights.
On the inside, the new KUV100 NXT upgrade features new fabric upholstery, piano black detailing on certain specification levels and a new temperature control panel on models fitted with climate control.
The vehicle also comes with a 17.8 cm touch-screen multimedia system (standard on the K8 variant), which offers Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and audio, image and video playback.
Other luxurious additions include a new remote boot-opening switch, a new gearshift indicator display, Intellipark reverse parking sensors and electrically-foldable side mirrors on the K8.
You also get power-operated windows, tilt-adjustable power steering, air conditioning, central locking rear underfloor storage bins and folding rear seats.
On K6 and K8 models, this list of
features include rear armrest, a cooled glove box, follow-me-home and lead-me-tovehicle headlights, remote key-less entry, speed-sensing door locks and front and rear 12V power outlets.
All variants are equipped with dual front airbags, child safety locks on the rear doors, ABS with EBD (EBD available only on K6+ and K8 variants) and corner braking control (CBC).
The KUV100 NXT is available with a choice of two three-cylinder, all-aluminium engines.
The 1.2 mFalcon G80 petrol engine is equipped with multi-point fuel injection and dual-variable valve timing to deliver 61kW and 115Nm of torque.
The 1.2 mFalcon D75 turbo-diesel engine has common rail direct injection and an intercooler to deliver 57kW and a generous 190Nm of torque.
The range-topping K8 model is equipped with a micro-hybrid system (basically, a stop-start function for the engine) that switches off the motor when the vehicle is not moving and immediately restarts it when the accelerator is pressed (not when you release the brake).
Both engines drive the front wheels through a fivespeed manual gearbox.
Mahindra say that a large part of the KUV100 NXT’s popularity is its SUV-style and functionality, which includes its ‘higher-than-normal’ (170mm) ground clearance and its equally functional approach and departure angles of just under 22 degrees.
Under the sheet metal, the KUV rides on independent McPherson struts suspension with dual path mounts and coil springs. At the rear, the suspension consists of semi-independent twist beams and coil springs, with all four corners also equipped with hydraulic gas-charged shock absorbers.
It offers seating for five adults and 243 litres of luggage space, which can be increased to 473 litres, with the rear seats folded flat.
The new KUV100 NXT range:
● KUV NXT K2+ Petrol - R134 999 ● KUV NXT K4+ Petrol - R163 999 ● KUV NXT K6+ Petrol - R187 999 ● KUV NXT K6+ Diesel - R204 999 ● KUV NXT K8 Petrol - R199 999
● KUV NXT K8 Diesel - R219 999
All models come with a three-year/100 000km warranty and a two-year/50 000km powertrain warranty. K6+ and K8+ models also have a three-year/50 000km Service Plan included as standard. Service intervals for both the petrol and diesel models are pegged at 10 000km.