Mahindra KUV100

Mahindra is entering the lucrative compact hatchback segment with the KUV100 (read One-double-O). However, being the largest utility car manufacturer in the country, their product reflects this brand image with the butch look that toes the lines of being a compact SUV.

The KUV, in terms, of length, is as much as any of the hatchbacks in the segment at 3675mm. However, it looks larger due to its width and height that measure 1,715mm and 1,665mm respectively. The looks are highly unconventional; the SUV styling is evident with flared wheel arches and a very high shoulder line.

Mahindra seems to have taken cues from SsangYong in designing this car. The slim headlamp console forms an important part of the design theme, extending all the way to the A-Pillar and then some more as a bold crease on the front door. There are premium looking LED DRLs here, which are bound to get attention. The front grille is sleek as well, but that along with the large bumper and the bash plate, give it the SUVish look.

The side profile is what gives away its secret. The moment one gets a clear perspective of its length, it becomes evident that this is a hatchback. Al the 14-inch tyres are puny for its size. We liked the thick line on the rear quarter panel and door handles on the C-Pillar, similar to the ones on the Chevy Beat. I personally liked the rear profile, it is relatively simple with horizontal tail lamps. However, not everyone in the team shares the same opinion.

The interior is smartly designed. It gets the elementary grey colour, however, the top-end gets piano black inserts to make it look premium. The biggest difference compared to the regular hatchbacks is the six-seater option. Instead of bucket seats at the front, Mahindra is offering a bench to accommodate an extra passenger. And they aren’t calling this utility space like Datsun did for the GO; the passenger sitting here also gets a lap belt to have some sense of safety.

The dashboard and the gear lever have been repositioned to make space for the third passenger. The gear shifter is part of the waterfall assembly that also houses the AC controls and the music system. On the top-end version, the music system gets Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity, along with steering mounted controls. The cabin also gets ambient light in aqua blue colour, these are basic LEDs, however, give a nice touch to the interior.

There is decent space both and the front and at the back, also the tallboy design gives the driver commanding position in the traffic, like one gets in an SUV. The boot space at 243litres is sufficient, however, the loading lip is pretty high and is going to be a reason for some inconvenience.

The engines are part of the new engine family from Mahindra named mFalcon. Both the petrol and diesel engine have a displacement of 1.2-litres from a three-cylinder configuration. The G80 petrol engine is tuned to develop 82bhp and 115Nm of torque, the D75 diesel, on the other hand, produces only 77bhp, but the torque figure is much higher at 190Nm. Both the engines power the front wheels via the five-speed manual transmission. The pseudo-SUV may get AMT transmission in the near future, but there are no plans to introduce all-wheel drive variants. The 170mm ground clearance is substantial to tackle most hurdles on the Indian roads though one needs to bear in mind that it is a road car and not something that will be able to manage much off-roading.

The NVH from the three-cylinders is little below par and there is certainly scope for improvement on those fronts. The steering is light, which should make it easy in the city traffic, plus the ride is soft with the long travel of the suspension. The details on its road manners will follow shortly once we have driven the car outside the plant.

To sum things up, the KUV100 is a hatchback in SUV’s clothes. It will provide more attention on the roads compared to the standard hatchbacks and may be even given the passengers the feel of sitting in bigger cars. But in terms of utility, it is just marginally ahead of the hatchback in that price range.