We were the first to reveal that Mahindra’s upcoming compact SUV, codenamed S101 will be called KUV100. It stands confirmed that the S101 will be named KUV100 and the company has now released the official teaser of this compact SUV.
Mahindra wants to position this new vehicle in a different way as compared to its other SUVs, hence it has adopted a different alphabet for its badging, while keeping the image of the XUV500 intact.
KUV stands for ‘compact utility vehicle’.
The KUV100 is a new monocoque chassis and it will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.2-litre diesel engine option, both being three-cylinder mills. The KUV100’s engines have been recently developed by Mahindra and Ssangyong together. There will also be an option of an AMT (automated manual transmission) as well.
The Mahindra KUV100 will be targeting first-time car buyers and this will be a five-seater vehicle. The KUV100 will be targeting kickstarting a new sub-segment and will compete with the upcoming Maruti Ignis, while also offering competition to hatchbacks like the Hyundai i10. Mahindra will look at increasing its presence in the small SUV segment with the KUV100 and the Quanto Facelift.