Mahindra KUV100 launched; Model Comparison

Mahindra today officially launched the KUV100, their SUVish styled hatchback for the Indian markets. This car is said to be direct competition for the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i10 Grand and also the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.

The KUV100 is launched with two engine options. The first being the 1.2liter three cylinder petrol engine that produces 82bhp along with 115Nm of torque. The second is the similar volume 1.2liter three cylinder diesel engine that produces 77bhp along with 190Nm of torque. Both these engines have been developed and manufactured by Mahindra themselves and come under a new family called mFalcon engines. The KUV is available in seven color options which are Pearl White, Aquamarine, Dazzling Silver, Flamboyant Red, Fiery Orange and Black.

There are in all in all seven variants the KUV100 will be available in K2, K2+, K4, K4+, K6, K6+ and the K8 with the basic model being the K2 and the top spec being the K8. The K2 variant thought being called basic comes fitted with features like dual tone bumpers, rear spoiler, power steering, tilt adjustable steering wheel, air-conditioning with heater. On the safety front the KUV100 does not fall short. Even the base model K2 comes with ABS, EBD, and collapsible steering wheel. The K2+ comes with dual front airbags for the driver and passenger as well. The ‘+’ models of the KUV100 are similar to their corresponding models except for a few optional extra’s. This way Mahindra has made sure that there is a KUV100 for every budget and requirement. In the top variant, the K8, the KUV100 comes fully loaded with features like, electronically adjustable ORVM’s, cooled glovebox, remote operated central locking, follow me home lights, alloy wheels, fog lights, micro hybrid technology just to name a few. Honestly the list is quite long and comprehensive.

The integrated audio system that is available from the K6 upwards features a 3.5 inch screen and has equipped to handle UBS, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has integrated with Mahindra’s new Blue Sense app connectivity but we will still have to wait and see how that performs.

The KUV100 has two different seating options as well. You can either have it in the six seater variant or the more conventional five seater versions. Mahindra has achieved to seat six passengers by introducing bench style seats up front as well. This is the only car in its segment that boosts of this seating capacity. While the K2 is only available in the six seater version, all the other models are given the option of either of the seat layouts.

The K2 variant comes with dual tone bumpers, rear spoiler, engine immobilizer, air conditioning, power steering, tilt adjustable steering wheel front arm rest, dead pedal, manually internal adjustable ORVM’s, ABS, EBD and is only available in the six seater version. Additionally the optional K2+ comes with dual front airbags and driver seat belt warning.

The K4 additionally to the K2+ features body colored front door handles, front and rear mud flaps, full wheel caps on the steel rim, interior colored trims, and power windows for all for windows, Day/night type internal rear view mirror but it misses out on the Airbags which are only available K4+ version.

The K6 come fitted with some more kit like follow me home lights, distance to empty meter, electronically adjustable ORVM’s, central locking with remote, integrated audio system with Mahindra Blue Sense for Bluetooth integration, piano black interior trim and similar to the K4, the K6 does not come with Airbags but is available in the K6+ variant.

K8 is the top model of the range and features everything that is mentioned above plus Micro Hybrid Technology, foldable rear seats, puddle lamps, alloy wheels and Airbags as part of the standard equipment.

Prices start at around INR 5,30,000/- for the base K2 petrol variant and go all the way upto INR 7,00,000/- for the top spec K8 petrol version. The diesel starts from INR 6,20,000/- for the K2 and end at INR 8,10,000/- for the K8. All the above mentioned prices are calculated for on-road Mumbai.