Mahindra KUV 100 mFALCON D75 K6 Plus

Introduction:

The leading SUV maker in India, Mahindra Mahindra has come out with a mini SUV which has been successful in garnering a lot of hype and attention from customers and auto industry alike. The KUV100 is a sub compact SUV, which is result of a hatchback and SUV combining together. This time, the firm comes with its own set of engines to power its vehicles. With the launch of this model, Mahindra is expected to register a huge growth in its sales and also to further strengthen its market hold.

Pros:

• It offers good mileage which will attract a lot of thrifty customers.

• Total value for money for the features provided.

Cons:

• Absence of touch screen infotainment system.

• Lack of navigation system is a drawback.

Stand Out Features:

• Best in class mileage.

• Expandable storage space.

Overview:

Mahindra KUV100 D75 K6 Plus, is a diesel variant which is powered by Mahindra's mFALCON engines. This variant, K6 Plus is one of the top end trims. With aggressive design and 'kool' looks these are expected to gain huge customer base. It has got monocoque construction to with stand collisions. Use of micro hybrid technology, power/ ECO drive modes, refined suspension ability tuned by cayman dynamics will strengthen the driving experience further. For better passenger convenience, this trim has got a lot in its store. Some of these include adjustable driver seats, foldable rear seats, bench seat arrangement, expandable boot space, power windows, central locking, keyless entry and many more. Under seat storage, storage under arm rests help in increased storage space.

Exterior:

With a unique and revolutionary design, this vehicle stands out from the crowd. Starting from the front profile, it has got an engraved sleek bonnet covering the engine. The radiator grille has chrome finished Mahindra's logo in its center. Sun glass shaped head lamps along with daytime running lamps are mounted on the edges of front grille, with mFALCON signature printed on them. Those electrically adjustable ORVMs are perfectly designed in clenched fist shape. Dual tone bumper comes with a perforated air intake system and those hexagonal shaped fog lamps are impressive. Getting on to the rear profile, it is decently designed and is attached with rear spoiler, mud flaps, dual tone bumper and fog lamps. Side profile looks aggressive with presence of sharp lines, highly placed rear door handles, side claddings, wheel arch claddings. Tinted wind screen and door mirrors add to the views. Front door handles, ORVMs come with body color finishing, while rear door handle is silver accentuated. On the top this trim has got slim and short roof antenna, stylish roof rails and sharp lines for enriched appearance.

Interior:

Spacious and stylish interior design will impress you for sure. The black and beige color combination for interiors is very pleasant and soothing to the eyes. The trendy dash board has got three spoke tilt-able electric power steering attached with audio and phone controls. Gear shift knob is placed on dash board making room for third passenger on front row. Along with gear shifter, it houses HVAC controls (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), infotainment system with driver information and others. To provide enhanced comfort, this trim is incorporated with features like power windows, central locking, remote keyless entry, sunglass holder, cooled glove box, removable storage bins, rear under-body storage space, boot lamps, 12V charging ports on both rear front rows, door pockets, bottle holders, rear parcel tray, LED interior lamp, adjustable front rear row head rests and dead pedal (foot rest for driver). Besides these, air conditioner with heater, tiltable steering, height adjustable driver seat, foldable rear seats, front and rear row arm rests add to the passenger comfort levels. With the 243 liter boot space it has got, it offers more storage space, and is expandable up to 473 liters.

Engine Performance:

This new entrant is powered by Mahindra's very own mFALCON engine family. It is incorporated with mFALCON D75 turbocharged MPFI Diesel engine which runs on front wheel drive train. This mill has a displacement capacity of 1198 cc and it churns out 77 bhp at 3750 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1750-2250 rpm. The drive train comes in compliance with BS4 emission norms. Mated with 5 speed manual gear box, this machine can return a mileage of about 25.32 kmpl which is one of the best in its segment.

Ride Handling:

To provide the best ride and comfort, attached to its front axle is the independent McPherson Strut suspension with Dual path mounts, while the rear axle is incorporated by semi independent twist beam type of suspension system. Additionally, these are attached with coil spring and hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers to offer better cushioning. Refined braking ability is observed with the provision of traditional disc and drum brakes at front and rear wheels respectively. The braking performance is further improved with the presence of ABS along with EBD.

Safety:

Integrated with dual air bags, ABS with EBD as standard, this trim has got additional features in terms of safety. Monocoque design construction helps in safeguarding passengers at collisions. Collapsible steering column, child safety locks on rear doors, speed sensing automatic door locks, hazard warning lamps up on panic braking, anti theft security alarm, engine immobilizer to avoid theft, anti slip-clips for driver side floor mat are some of them. Additionally, this variant has got features like central locking, internally adjustable ORVMs, seat belt warning for driver seat, door ajar warning, rear defogger, day time running lamps among others in store.

Verdict:

This variant is quite decent as it offers unique features and stands out from the crowd. It may not be the best in class but is surely enough for the price it comes at. Muscular looks, SUV stance and safety features are sure to make this one of the best sellers. But if you are one of those who would want more features like an advanced infotainment system, navigation among other and do not want to compromise on any aspects then we advise to give this a miss.