Mahindra KUV 100 mFALCON D75 K4 Plus

KUV 100 mFALCON D75 K4 Plus Review

Mahindra & Mahindra is at it again, after the success of TUV300 it has now come up with a new model christened as KUV100, a young SUV. This new entrant with its launch, has created a new sub compact SUV segment in the industry. Unique, unconventional design and new set of engines for this model has already garnered enough credentials in the industry.

Pros:

1. Spacious interiors along with room for 6 passengers are appreciable.
2. Expandable storage compartments in addition to the available 243 liters of boot space.

Cons:

1. Absence of infotainment system, blue-tooth connectivity and other entertainment factors.
2. Comfort features could have been improved for this trim.

Stand Out Features:

1. Availability of ABS and dual air bags for driver & passenger is impressive.
2. Mileage of 25.32 kmpl is the best for any Indian diesel SUV and is sure to attract masses.

Overview:

Powered by Mahindras's own mFALCON range of engines, KUV100 is available in both diesel and petrol engine variants. This model in focus today is a D75 K4 Plus 1.2 liter diesel variant working on CRDI technology. Unique and Aggressive stance on the road leaves you amazed at the first glance itself. Although it has missed a lot of features compared to its elder siblings, it has still got the required amenities to deliver a comfortable ride as well as a justified price tag. Manufactured based upon the monocoque design, this machine is light in weight and helps greatly in protecting passengers during untoward scenarios. Storage spaces like under body storage, foldable seats and expandable boot space are quite impressive. Improved safety standards, spacious interiors and stylish exteriors combined with exceptional performance, all put together help the vehicle in making it a potent prospect. It is altogether blended with SUV-esque looks and hatchback comforts to meet modern day requirements.

Exterior:

KUV100 is designed in an unconventional way. Its exteriors are unique unlike the regular ones with box shaped composition. Front facade brings a complete new look to the vehicle. It has got sculpted hood with muscular shoulders which are successful in delivering combative looks. In addition to that there is a dual tone bumper with honeycomb structured air breather. Chrome inserted Mahindra signature on the center of front grille is striking. The grille is surrounded with LED head light cluster on both sides. These extend till front door edges with mFALCON signature on them. Tinted wind screen and door mirrors add to the looks. Side profile is perfectly balanced with B-pillar design, character lines, wheel arch claddings, mud flaps and perfectly trimmed front door handles. Interestingly, rear door handles are placed higher due to ergonomical factors, as claimed by its makers. ORVMs (Outside rear View Mirror) come in body color and appear in the form of a clinched fist. The view from rear is modest. Reflectors in trapezoidal shape and dual tone beefy bumper at the rear bottom appear classy. The view is enriched with perfectly positioned rectangular tail lamps, rear spoiler and muscular cuts on body which makes it look complete.

Interior:

Moving Inside you are graced by Piano black and beige interior color combination, which is quite impeccable. Cockpit design is revolutionary with stylish dashboard and a bench seat making room for three passengers. Dashboard houses most of the accessories for easy access and extended room. Interestingly, gear shift knob is fixed on to dashboard thus making room for extra passenger in the front row. Incorporated is a dual pod instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer and other vehicle information. Along with that, a three spoke electric power steering is offered with tilt-ability for driver's ease. For passenger comfort, seats are finished in vinyl plus fabric upholstery. Amenities are augmented by front row arm rests, head rests (non-adjustable), dead pedal for driver foot rest, power windows, manual central locking, bottle holders on doors, front row 12 V power outlet, LED interior lamp and other aspects. Storage compartments are impressive with expandable 243 liter boot space, rear under body storage, front & rear door pockets and storage under co-driver seat. One may appreciate the fact that Mahindra has done a good job to provide extended leg room and head room which adds to the spacious cabin for 6 passengers.

Performance:

Under the hood, the trim has got 1.2 liter mFALCON D75, turbocharger with inter-cooler diesel engine working on Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) technology. With a displacement capacity of 1198 cc, the mill can churn out 77 bhp power at 3750rpm with a combination of 190 Nm torque between 1750-2250rpm. This machine feels powerful and you are sure to feel delighted when you put your foot down on the accelerator. 5 speed manual gear box is employed to transmit power to front wheel drive train. The drive train is built in compliance with BS IV emission norms. This diesel engine from maker is built to return impressive mileage of 25.32 kmpl, which makes it India's most fuel efficient diesel SUV.

Ride & Handling:

You are sure to be delivered with an enriched experience when you ride this compact machine. Suspension is based on Independent McPherson strut with dual path mounts coil spring on front axle and Semi independent twist beam with coil spring at the rear which ensures a smooth, jerk free ride. Additionally, these two axles are supported by Hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers to boost the suspension capabilities further. Braking system is complemented with traditional disc and drum brakes at front and rear wheels respectively. Availability of ABS enhances the braking mechanism. For easy manoeuvrability, this trim is offered with tilt-able electric power steering. Seats in fabric upholstery are provided to boost the comfort of passenger. Monocoque construction for the trim helps it to be light in weight and improves vehicle dynamics.

Safety:

In terms of safety the trim has got all the required amenities. Manufacturer has offered dual air bags and ABS (Anti lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) as standard. Safety is upgraded with Collapsible steering column, anti slip clips for driver side floor mat, door ajar warnings to warn you if any door is left open and manual central locking. It also comes with Power windows for on all doors, internally adjustable ORVMs (manual), driver seat belt warning, head light height adjustment and other such others to enhance the safety aspect. Built based on Monocoque design, this vehicle is light in weight and safeguards passengers in case of collisions. Engine immobilizer is incorporated to avoid vehicle theft, only down side is it does not come with any alarms.

Verdict:

This variant comes with all the prerequisite features which are quite decent if not great. Price tag attached is justified with the available amenities. Perfectly suits people who are looking out for a car with good mileage and decent comforts. But if you are one of those who do not want to compromise on comfort and want it then you can surely go for higher variants.