மஹிந்திரா KUV 100 mFALCON G80 K4 5str

Introduction :

Leading Indian car maker Mahindra Mahindra this year has unleashed its latest beast, Compact SUV named KUV100, which is targeted to attract more customers and further increase its market hold. With unique styling and SUVish stance it possesses, the model is sure to grab a lot of attention from the masses. These vehicles are powered by Mahindra's home grown set of mFALCON engines.

Pros:

• Ground clearance is one of the best in this segment.
• Spacious cabin.

Cons:

• Comfort safety features are absent which the top variants have.
• Absence of Navigation system.
• No touch screen infotainment system.

Stand Out Features:

• Price factor is attractive considering the features it comes with.

Overview:

KUV100 is the new model from Mahindra Mahindra, powered by mFALCON engine family. This variant entered the market creating a complete new segment sub compact-SUV and helping the firm step in-to petrol segment. The machine with combative, 'kool' looks and decent interior designs is offered at a price range of Rs.4.9 lacs and will fully justify the price you pay. ABS with EBD is offered as standard on this trim to provide better safety features. Engine immobilizer to avoid vehicle theft and robust monocoque design for safeguarding vehicle passengers from any untoward incidents. The newly launched vehicle is available in 7 colours such as mid-night black, fiery orange, flamboyant orange, dazzling silver, aquamarine, pearl white and designer Grey.

Exteriors:

First look at this new machine you will agree with the fact that it can only be from Mahindra due to its Butch look and SUV stance. On the front profile, it houses a sculpted bonnet surfacing the engine. The front grille are fixed with chrome finished Mahindra's badge in the center which give it a stunning look. And it facilitates sun-glass like head lights and DRL cluster, which extends till front doors with mFALCON signature on them, on both sides. The dual-tone beefy bumper with perforated air intake design gives it a combative look. Hexagonal shaped fog lamps enhance the richness. On the side profile, muscular character lines, wheel claddings, mud-flaps, wheel caps, the high-placed rear door handles, clenched-fist inspired ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror) design, B-pillar design will thrill you. Those tinted wind screen and mirrors add to the cool looks. The rear portrait is classy and decent. Dual tone rear bumper, rear spoiler, hexagonal fog lamps, tail lamp design make it look decent and attractive. The roof looks trendy with character lines. ORVMs, front door handles come in body color which blends perfectly with the looks of this mean machine.

Interiors:

The interiors for this 5-seater variant are pretty well designed and perfectly placed. The black and beige color combination for interiors will catch your eyes for sure. Console design is unique and it houses most of the controls. Gear shift knob is placed on the center console offering extra room for passengers. HVAC (Heat, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) controls are mounted on the console along with gear knob. Rectangular AC vents are placed on its top while hand brake is fixed under the console. Three spoke electrically adjustable and tilt-able steering system are also added for drivers comfort and instrument cluster gives you most of the information like speedometer, tachometer, gear indicator etc., For enhanced user comfort the trim is offered with adjustable front row head rests, rear head rests, power windows, internally adjustable ORVMs, illuminated key ring, rear under-body storage, front row 12V power outlets, door pockets, 1 liter bottle holders in all doors, rear parcel tray, roof lamp (LED interior lamp), dead pedal for driver foot rest and such others. The boot space is 243 liters which is expandable to 473 liters by folding the rear seats. The seats are done in fabric and vinyl upholstery which are not among the best but look good and are comfortable as well.

Performance:

This machine is incorporated with Mahindra's home grown mFALCON G80, MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) dual variable valve timing engine. The 1.2 litre mill with 1198cc displacement capacity can churn out 82 bhp at 5500rpm and 115 Nm torque at 3500-3600 rpm. The engine is attached with 5-speed manual gearbox which works on front wheel drive-train mechanism. It comes in compliance with BS4 emission norms. This machine can return a mileage of 18.15 kmpl which is quite decent.

Ride Handling:

You can experience improved ride in this new variant. To provide better ride quality and comfort, the machine employs Independent McPherson strut with dual path mounts type and Semi-independent twist beam with coil spring type suspension system on front and rear axles respectively. Additionally, they are offered with Coil spring and Hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers at both the axles. The above results in a smooth ride and you hardly feel any vibrations and jerks while driving on rough terrains. The vehicle requires 5.05 M as turning radius which is not large. Tyres offered are tubeless radials with 185/65R14 size, which should have been avoided and bigger tyres could have been supplied which would further increase this beast's appeal.

Safety:

This vehicle comes with good safety features, it gets ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD as a standard feature. Collapsible steering column, child safety locks on rear doors, anti-slip clips for driver side floor mat, door ajar warning, seat belt warning, power windows on all doors, internally adjustable ORVMs, central locking and other such features are present in its arsenal to offer improved safety to passengers. This trim also houses engine immobilizer to avoid vehicle from theft and robust monocoque design which helps to safeguard the occupants form collisions.

Verdict:

This 5-seater variant will justify the price you pay. But, compared to its top-end trims, this has got less to offer on board. Though the features it possesses are satisfactory if you belong to the thrifty space, but if you are one of those who may want to spend a little more in order to get better features then you should surely prefer the top end trims.