Mahindra KUV 100 mFALCON D75 K6 Plus 5str AW

Introduction:

Mahindra Mahindra is a leading auto maker in India, proving its dominance time and again. It has been successful in dominating the SUV market for a long time now. Now, to further increase its muscle the firm has come up with compact SUV named as KUV100. It comes in both petrol and diesel versions. This 'young SUV' is expected to tempt a huge number of customers towards it. And we are here to find out whether this machine has in it to lock horns with the growing competition in this segment. Lets find out.

Pros :

• Good fuel efficiency is a big plus.
• Price factor is sure to attract the masses.

Cons:

Absence of touch screen infotainment system.

Tyre size could have been increased.

Stand Out Features:

Ground Clearance is one of the best in its class.

Safety features.

Overview:

KUV100 has been unleashed into the market by Mahindra Mahindra, it comes in both petrol and diesel variants. The one we will be reviewing today is KUV100 D75 K6 PLUS 5STR which is a diesel version of the trim making room space for 5 passengers. With improved safety features, performance and mileage factors the company has launched this machine to attract the 'young'. Incorporated with Mahindra's own mFALCON engines to draw the power, these machines are perfectly suitable for Indian conditions. The monocoque construction is designed with utmost care to safeguard the passengers. It also comes with superior suspension system, and makes use of micro hybrid technology which adds to the enhanced driving experience. The design is very aggressive and finished in a trendy manner on the exteriors. Interiors are designed to give a soothing feel to the eyes and the finishing is enticing.

Exteriors:

Mahindra has come out with an aggressive looking vehicle with a SUV like stance, this machine does a perfect job. On the front fascia, the sleek and sculpted bonnet with chrome finished Mahindra logo on front grille draw combative feel. The head lamp and DRL (Daytime Running Lamps) cluster is perfectly placed on to the edges of front grille, with mFALCON signature on them, running till the front door edges. The beefy bumper with honeycomb structured air intake structure is perfectly constructed to give it an enchanting feel. Electronically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirror) are inspired from the clenched fist. On the top, stylish roof rails, sharp lines and short roof antenna add to the stunning appearance. Spider design alloy wheels, B-pillar, high placed rear door handle and sharp lines on the side profile end up delivering dazzling looks. Claddings on door and wheel arches help the machine in producing the rugged SUV looks. The rear profile is decently designed and makes it look Sporty. Double-barrel tail lamps, chrome accents on fog lamps, dual tone rear bumper makes it look decent and will surely impress the masses.

Interiors:

The first thing that will grab eye balls as soon as you enter the vehicle is its color scheme with black and beige combination. The console is designed in a unique way hosting majority of the controls and a KUV100 badge. It houses infotainment system with drive information, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) controls and gear shift knob on it making more space for passengers. Hand brake lever is fixed beneath the console and rectangular AC vents are fixed right above center console. The adjustable electric power steering with three spoke sculpted design housing call music controls is present for enhanced comfort. Dashboard with analog speedometer and tachometer hosts multiple functions and information. Diamond shaped outer AC vents, mood lighting inside door handles, blue-tooth audio and hands-free calling, Bluesense application compatibility, remote keyless entry, head rests (adjustable for all 3 passengers in rear row), 12V power outlets for both rows, driver side coin holder, cooled glove box, cup-holders in the armrest, sunglass holder, height adjustable driver seat, illuminated key ring, 1 liter bottle holder in all 4 doors, dead pedal for driver, LED interior lamps, rear parcel tray and other such features are present in its arsenal for improved passenger comfort. 243 liters of boot space is quite satisfactory other than the storage spaces it comprises of cup holders in doors and flat floor in 2nd row. The seats are done in premium fabric upholstery which gives it a plush feel.

Performance:

This 5-seater variant is powered by Mahindra's mFALCON engine family. It draws power from a mFALCON D75, turbocharger with inter-cooler CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) engine. The 1.2 liter mill with 1198cc displacement capacity can churn out 77 bhp at 3750 rpm and 190 Nm torque at 1750-2250 rpm. The engine is mated with 5-speed manual gearbox which employs front wheel drive train with BS4 compatibility. The machine with 35 liter tank capacity returns a mileage of 25.32 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel efficient diesel compact SUV.

Ride Handling:

To offer enhanced ride experience to the user, it comes with Independent McPherson Strut with dual path mounts on the front axle and semi-independent twist beam at the rear end. Both the axles are, employed with Coil spring and Hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers. The tyres are tubeless radials with 185/65 R14 dimensions. This sub 4-meter mini-SUV has got 5.05M turning radius which is quite satisfactory. Braking system is traditional with disc and drum brake system at front and rear wheels respectively which give it adequate stopping power.

Safety:

In terms of safety, Mahindra has made sure that it offers best in class features to its customers. With dual airbags, ABS with EBD as standard. Presence of collapsible steering column, child safety locks on rear doors, speed sensing automatic door locks, automatic hazard warning lamps on panic brakes bonnet opening, anti-theft security alarms, anti-slip clips for driver side floor mat, Central locking, seat belt warnings, door ajar warnings and others will complement the safety standards. It also comes with an engine immobilizer to avoid theft and the robust monocoque construction ends up giving its occupants an enhanced ride and also makes sure that they are protected in case of unavoidable circumstances.

Verdict:

With a low price tag for the features it provides, this trim will surely satisfy the masses. The unique design and space for passengers inside the cabin make it standout of the crowd. But we expected it to have better tyres as well. If you are looking for value for money with a slight compromise on Infotainment, absence of bigger tyres and the twitchy after sales service of Mahindra then this is the vehicle for you, but if you are one of those who do not want to deal with the above then its best to look elsewhere.