Mahindra KUV100 NXT

How is the design of the Mahindra KUV100 NXT?

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is a sub-4m offering and compared to the Maruti Suzuki Swift, it is shorter in length while having more height and width. The design draws inspiration from the larger SUV from Mahindra, the XUV500. The front fascia has been aggressively styled with the bumper getting major attention. The front fascia comes with a leaner radiator grille along with chrome finished fillets that are vertically positioned as well. The pulled-back look of the headlamps is a nice touch although they taper off at the end, almost encompassing the whole length of the hood. There is black plastic cladding for a rugged look while the rectangular fog lamps are neatly tucked within the same. The look is bolstered by the cladding and the side has sharp body creases starting from the A-pillar while there are squarish wheel arches as well. The grab handle at the rear is placed upon the rear quarter glass. The rear slightly resembles the Grand i10 from Hyundai although there are chrome finished fog lamps and side skirts along with the integrated spoiler, attractively designed tail lights and the sharp body line running over the tail lamps and going till the wheel arches. The rear profile seems more like a hatchback from most angles.

How does the Mahindra KUV100 NXT drive?

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT drives nicely enough. It gets an engine which is silent and offers good mileage while there is good drivability too. The performance is slightly missing some much-needed punch although there is more power with enhanced torque and the car picks up fast at higher speeds. It is more fun to drive. The manual transmission shifts nicely, helping the car drive smoothly in congested city traffic.

How comfortable is?

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT offers numerous comfort attributes including good air conditioning with the heater functionality, tilt-adjustable electric power steering, fabric seat covers for the higher trims and vinyl upholstery for the seats in the base models. There are fabric inserts for the door trims while the driver’s seat is also height adjustable. The rear seat is foldable and there are armrests both in the front and back. There are adjustable headrests in the front row too. Mahindra has offered power windows at both front and rear along with remote keyless entry, a cooled glove box, central locking, storage spaces under the co-driver seat and a removable bin for storage with handles.

Overall comfort is enhanced by good braking and features like EBD and anti-lock braking system. Handling is not as crisp as desired though and the suspension setup works well to absorb the bad roads and potholes. Overall ride quality is smooth and comfortable.

How’s the interior?

The KUV100 NXT comes with a premier dual tone interior theme. The cabin has a lot of grey with black color used for the central console, door pads, dashboard and steering wheel alike. The KUV100 NXT also comes with some silver touches for the steering wheel and central console. The rectangular and long central console comes with dashboard mounted air conditioning vents along with the touch screen infotainment unit and temperature dials which are aligned vertically towards the left hand side. The right hand side comes with a mounted knob for the gear, thereby saving more space. The glove box is positioned upon the passenger side for storage needs and the 3+3 layout is quite unique indeed. The gear lever positioning makes this possible. An extra bench is positioned in the front of the gear lever which is an advantage. There is a 5-seater layout option with the exception of the K2 and K2+ trims. Boot space stands at 243 litres in all, expandable to 473 litres.

How’s the tech?

Mahindra & Mahindra has equipped the KUV100 NXT with several features. There are follow-me-home headlights along with lead me home headlights in tandem with height adjuster features for the headlights and a rear wiper along with the rear defogger and manually adjustable ORVMs. Other features include a 12V power outlet inside along with LED interior lighting and the 3.5 inch display unit. This contains the integrated infotainment unit, driver information system, hands-free calling and Bluetooth audio, AUX, USB and steering mounted phone and audio controls. The BLUE SENSE app from Mahindra is compatible with the KUV100 NXT while there are four speakers and two tweeters as well.

How’s the Storage?

Total boot space stands at 243 litres in total.

How’s the mileage of?

The KUV100 NXT offers fuel economy of 17.5 kilometres per litre.

How is the performance of?

The KUV100 NXT comes with MFalcon D75 Turbocharger and MFalcon G80 MPFI engines. The former is the 1198 cc mill dishing out 77 BHP and 190 Nm of peak torque with FWD while the latter also has FWD, dishing out 82 BHP and 115 Nm with the same displacement. The engine is powerful and overall performance is decent.

How safe is?

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT gets safety features including dual airbags for the Plus variants in the mid and entry-level in tandem with the top-end trim. Other features include child safety lock for the rear doors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, anti-slip driver side clips, anti-theft security alarm, engine immobilizer, speed sensing automatic door locks, automatic hazard warning lamps upon crash and more.

Is the good value for money?

Considering its decent features, more space inside and revamped design, the KUV100 NXT does seem like a value for money offering from Mahindra & Mahindra. The car performs well in the highway while offering more space and a rugged vibe that is distinctly different from a regular premium hatchback.