Facelift for the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, the Indian urban SUV

Mahindra keeps updating its models. As you may remember, a few days ago it was the turn of its flagship SUV, the XUV500, and now it is the smallest in its range, the KUV100 NXT, a model within the B-SUV segment that has been a breath of fresh air for the brand since its arrival on the European market just over a year ago, selling 1,209 units in 14 months with Italy as its main market.

The new Mahindra KUV100 NXT retains its monocoque chassis, which the brand manufactures at its Chakan plant in India, and keeps its compact dimensions of 3,700 mm in length, a wheelbase of 2,385 mm and a ground clearance of 170 mm. However, the suspension travel has now been increased, going from the previous 150 mm to the 200 mm it has now. This allows it to make excursions off the city asphalt and onto dirt tracks, with an approach angle of 20°, a breakover angle of 17° and a departure angle of 29°.

It is offered in two differentiated trim levels, which Mahindra calls K6 and K8. It is precisely on the K8 where the exterior changes are most visible, focusing at the front on a new headlight unit that now incorporates LED daytime running lights, as well as new side mirrors with integrated turn signal lights. On the sides we can see black-colored alloy wheels of specific design, while at the rear the changes are also minor, focusing on a new light cluster with a certain sporty look.

In the K6 trim, as the entry model in the range, it is more austere in every respect: for example, the wheels are now steel with wheel covers, the rear light cluster remains as before, and the side indicators are still located on the fender rather than integrated into the mirrors. This also applies to the interior, as the K6 keeps the simple screen on the center console, whose air conditioning controls have been modified, while the K8 features a new touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Mechanically, the new Mahindra KUV100 NXT retains the three-cylinder 1,200 cc petrol engine with VVT dual variable valve timing, but its power is now increased by 5 CV to deliver 87 CV, together with a torque of 115 Nm available between 3,500 and 4,800 rpm. Power is sent to the front axle through a five-speed manual gearbox, which still features a curious joystick-type gear lever inside.