Mahindra KUV 100 2015-2017 mFALCON D75 K8 5str AW

KUV 100 2015-2017 mFALCON D75 K8 5str AW Review

Overview:

Mahindra & Mahindra has been setting trends in the SUV segment for quite a long time now with its striking vehicles. Be it the Scorpio, Bolero or XUV500, all these are a symbol of success. And the company is hoping that the legacy continues with its new introduction the KUV100, a young SUV that is designed to target the country's youth. This latest entrant is available in several variants of which, Mahindra KUV100 mFALCON D75 K8 5str is its mid range diesel trim. Let’s see what this variant has in store for us.

Pros:

1. Spacious interiors. It provides ample leg and head room for both front and rear occupants.

2. Powered by a new mFALCON diesel engine that returns an impressive mileage. 

Cons:

1. Tyre size does not look perfect for the vehicle. Their small size might also affect the driving dynamics.

2. A navigation system should have also been on the offer. 

Stand Out Features:

1. Presence of top class safety features for a vehicle at this economic price range, is quite thrilling.

2. Mileage of 25.32 kmpl is undoubtedly the best for any diesel SUV in India. 

Overview:

The newly launched KUV100 from Mahindra has got revolutionary styling that is rugged on the outside and inviting inside. This variant is equipped with a new 1.2-litre, mFALCON diesel engine that comes with CRDI technology. With a maximum mileage of 25.32 kmpl, it becomes one of the most fuel efficient diesel SUVs in India. This six seater has ample room for six passengers and various storage compartments are also on offer. For in-car entertainment, you have an audio unit with BLUE SENSE App compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity that keeps you connected always on-board. Several vital aspects are offered in this trim, which takes its safety standards to the next level. Some of these elements include a collapsible steering column, anti-theft security alarm, speed sensing automatic door locks and many more on the list. On the whole, this machine carries most of the impressive features that anyone would look for in a car. Its nearest competitors in this segment include Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and Ford Figo as well. 

Exterior:

The rugged body combined with aggressive styling is what makes the KUV100 so special. Every aspect on the outside looks interesting, but the spot light definitely falls on its front facade, which is bold and beautiful. Covering the engine is a sleek hood that looks attractive with creases on it. The striking logo of Mahindra, which sits at the center of the chrome radiator grille, will certainly draw your attention. On either side of this grille are sunglass-like headlight cluster that feature high intensity lamps and daytime running lights as well. This cluster extends up to the front windscreen with mFALCON lettering on it. Below this is a dual tone bumper that houses the air intake and a couple of fog lamps as well. It gets the clenched fist-inspired ORVMs in body color, whereas the silver accentuated rear door handles are placed on the rear pillars, which adds to its unique appeal. Also, we can notice the black B-pillars, mud flaps, and door claddings on its sides. Meanwhile, the 14 inch spider-design alloy wheels under the wheel claddings do enhance the view. Its rear end looks appealing with muscular cuts and solid dual tone bumper. The chrome finished fog lamps in trapezoidal cuts, sporty spoiler, and double-barrel tail lamps further elevates its overall look.     

Interior:

The dual tone interiors with piano black inserts is quite eye-soothing. The cockpit has a unique design, and makes room for two passengers. The swanky dashboard holds most of the advanced equipments, which renders it a modernistic appeal. Incorporated on the dashboard is a 3.5” screen infotainment unit with in-built driver information system. It also houses gear shift knob and HVAC unit as well as rectangular AC vents. It is offered with a three spoke power steering wheel with multiple controls, whereas the dual pod digital instrument cluster includes a speedometer, tachometer and a few indicators as well. Fabric covers are used for the seats, which are integrated with adjustable headrests. Other comfort giving elements in the cabin include an air conditioner with heater, cooled glove box, boot lamps, front & rear 12V power outlet, and roof lamp as well. The 243 litre boot compartment is good enough for placing several bags, while the fully foldable rear seat further adds to the cargo volume.     

Performance:

Under the hood, this young SUV has a 1.2-litre, mFALCON D75 diesel engine with 1198 cc displacement capacity. Offered with the common rail direct injection technology, it can return a maximum of 25.32 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in this segment. The turbocharged engine with inter cooler can draw mechanical power of 77bhp at 3750rpm combined with 190Nm torque at 1750 to 2250rpm. This motor is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox which distributes power to its front wheels.

Ride & Handling:

Mahindra has built this machine based on the monocoque construction design, which upgrades the ride efficiency and enables superior passenger comfort. The front axle is assembled by an independent McPherson strut with dual path mounts, while rear one gets a semi-independent twist beam suspension. The mechanism is further enhanced by hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers and coil springs that help in dealing with irregularities of roads. Handling is best ensured with an electric power steering column that is tilt adjustable. The robust set of disc brakes are fitted to its front wheels, whereas the rear ones get drum brakes. There is anti lock braking system as well to raise the braking efficiency.

Safety:

Mahindra has left no stone unturned in the matters of passenger safety, the manufacturer has loaded this machine with the best in class safety elements. It has airbags for driver and co-passenger, while ABS with EBD are offered as a standard feature. Security is further enhanced by speed sensing automatic door locks, hazard warning lamps on panic braking, ISOFIX child seat mount in the rear, and central locking system as well. Its monocoque construction design further aids in reducing the collision impact and safeguards the passengers. Besides these, it also has anti-theft security alarm, seat belt as well as door ajar warning notifications that keep the driver alert.   

Verdict:

With a price tag of just 6.9 lakh, this variant has definitely more to offer than what you can actually expect from it. Right from the engine performance, fuel economy to the comfort levels and safety standards, everything is quite good and better than a few of its rivals. You can certainly go with this model considering all the plus points it has got. But if you think the price tag it commands is on a higher side then you can definitely opt for lower end variants by compromising on certain features