We always want more than what we get. If one buys a hatchback vehicle, they want it to give them the feel of an SUV. If one buys an SUV, then they wish that it could be as zippy and quick through the traffic as a hatchback.
The Mahindra KUV100 claims to solve this problem, but the confusion begins as soon as the company calls it an ‘SUV’.
The expectations that come with an SUV tag are very different as compared to a hatchback, they get even higher when the company says that it expects to repeat the success story that Mahindra achieved with the Scorpio.
With prices starting at Rs 4.4 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), is it really that good?
The Looks
The first thing that pops out are the ‘inspired by sunglasses’ headlamps which are complemented by the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and the front grille design.
There is a stark difference in terms of exterior styling when you look at the car from the front and the back
With so much going on and so many aggressive and sharp lines at the front, the simple and plain rear end looks like it belongs to a different car altogether.
Mahindra has also given black cladding at the bottom of the car to make the stance look taller. The interior layout and the vertical centre console might appeal to some, but the unconventional gear positioning takes time to adapt.
Mahindra KUV100 Features:
- Engine: 1198cc – CRDi Turbocharged Diesel/ Dual VVT Petrol
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Power: 77 hp @ 3750 rpm for diesel/82 hp @ 5500 rpm for petrol
- Torque: 190 Nm @ 1750–2250 rpm for diesel/115 Nm @ 3500-3600 rpm for petrol
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 litres
- Ground Clearance: 170mm
- Price: Starts at Rs 5.52 lakh for diesel/Rs 4.42 Lakh for petrol
The Package
The car promises to be a good hatchback. It offers a higher stance and a better mileage when compared to its competitors. According to the company, their latest offering goes right against the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai’s Grand i10.
The car is a good attempt by the company and a new approach in this price bracket.
Drive Experience
The gearbox and the brakes are responsive, and the power delivery is linear upto 60 km/h.
The petrol engine of the KUV is less noisy as compared to the diesel one and feels much more refined. Although it started to run out of steam past 110 km/h.
The diesel engine offers better power delivery, more peppiness. It has a much more linear power curve, which means that you get good torque delivery throughout the 5-speed transmission. It is the one to go for, provided you can handle the noise.
When it comes to cornering, the car feels planted initially but gets floaty once you bring it up to higher speeds.
Who Should Buy it?
The car is good as a hatchback, but the moment it is called an SUV or even a compact SUV by Mahindra, the car begins to disappoint heavily.
The black cladding, the high gear position and the aggressive front do not hide the fact that the car offers an average ground clearance of 170mm, which is way less than the other compact SUVs like the Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta offer, let alone proper SUVs like the Ford Endeacour.
It is not meant for your off-road adventures.
Where this car will actually score with people looking to buy a car under Rs 7 lakh is if they want a car that offers a little more than conventional hatchbacks and need it for city commute.
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