Launch Drive: Mahindra KUV100 suits SA’s roads
If you are in the market for an entry level hatchback such as a Suzuki Swift or even a cross hatch like the Toyota Etios, then it’s time to reconsider your options because a new vehicle from India has arrived.
The company that produces the KUV100 also has roots in a wide range of industries such as farming, information technology, logistics, steel and much more. I’m talking about Mahindra. Don’t be fooled by that fact that this brand has many fingers in many pies; the new Mahindra KUV100 crosshatch attempts to borrow the best from its extensive arsenal.
We were skeptical when loading our bags into the vehicle; the interior is unconventionally shaped and ergonomically obstructive compared to its competitors. We had a laugh and cracked a joke about the pull cord handbrake and the dash mounted gear shifter but then hit the road and took the KUV100 a little more seriously.
Driving the front wheels the 1.2l petrol engine performed well on the city streets and with 170mm ground clearance, on gravel too. The engine was smooth and even though it produces 61kW was ample for city driving. On the highway and long distance cruises you will need to make use of the VVT as the lower rev range on this engine can’t match rivals’ turbo charged designs.
The 3-cylinder diesel changed that though, the engine musters 190Nm of torque from its 1200cc engine. I enjoyed this engine; the increased low down torque over the petrol variant makes this vehicle easier to drive even if it does run out of steam after 4ooo rpm. The gearbox could have done with a 6th gear and wind noise is prevalent at highway speed.
Even though the Mahindra KUV100 is aimed at the price sensitive spectrum of the market, it still comes with a few nifty features. With the K4 variant, a petrol drivetrain is the only option available but includes features such as exterior cladding, roof spoiler and mud flaps. The interior spec covers the essentials such as aircon, electric windows, two front airbags and the usual safety features such as ABS, EBD and CBC. One feature that is very practical and compliments the spacious 473-litre is the under-floor storage in the rear; this is a clever use of space and does not affect the interior cabin space at all. The K4 costs R149.000.
The Mahindra KUV100 K6+ is available in both drivetrain variants and provides little exterior glam such as chrome accents and color coded wing mirrors. The biggest differences are found in the interior with features which include a must-have infotainment system with Bluetooth and a USB interface. The six speaker sound system on the K6 can also be adjusted by the steering wheel controls. Added to this are mood lighting, piano black interior accents, keyless entry and follow me home and find-my-car headlights. The petrol variant will cost you R169, 995, you can add another R18, 000 on that for the diesel model.
The top dog KUV100 K8 features all of the accessories and options of the K4+ and K6 with the added benefit of alloy wheels, an upgraded lighting system which includes daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights and very nifty puddle lights so you don’t get your feet wet. The diesel model also features start/stop technology that seems to work very well. This model comes at R179, 995 for the petrol and the diesel is just shy of R200k at R197, 995.
Overall this is a good car to consider if you are looking for a easy to run and fairly cheap to buy city runaround. The fuel consumption on the diesel is a highlight.
Many buyers will still go for brands they are familiar with such as Ford or Suzuki. If the less popular Mahindra brand is met with apprehension, it is pleasing to know that if something does go wrong you are covered by a three-year/100 000km warranty and if you opt for the K6+ or K8 models, a three-year/50 000km service plan is included.
