Mahindra enters the B-SUV segment with the new KUV100

Today few brands, if any, have not succumbed to the B-SUV segment, and it’s no wonder, since as you well know it is a segment that keeps adding sales continuously and is expected to keep trending upwards. Mahindra is a brand that did not have a B-SUV in its lineup but did have an SUV model, its flagship, the XUV500, which was thoroughly renewed with a more European look in 2016.

Mahindra has the clear goal of expanding into the European market with a wide range of vehicles, in addition to the commercial models it already offers, and to do so it will grow its range with four new SUV models, one for each segment, plus a new 4×4 measuring 4.2 metres in length and a new pick-up measuring 5.1 metres. The first to arrive will be the Mahindra KUV100, a B-SUV that will move like a fish in water, especially in the city, and that will stand out, as is usual for the Indian brand, for its value for money.

The new KUV100 rides on a monocoque platform developed and built at Chakan, the factory the brand has in southwest India. On this platform we are shown a compact B-SUV with an air of grandeur, as its bold, muscular lines demonstrate, but it is revealed for what it is when, from the side, its compact dimensions come to light, with a total length of 3,700 mm and a width of 1,727 mm. However, it is precisely its reduced dimensions that will allow it to tackle narrow terrain too, as its SUV pedigree shows through its 170 mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 20º, its breakover angle of 16.4º and a departure angle of 29º.

Its styling will not leave anyone indifferent: you either like it or you don’t, since this is a vehicle whose main premise is to strike a suitable balance between quality and price, so don’t expect great ostentation. Even so, it will draw attention, since the Mahindra KUV100 is a car that despite its size wants to look like the bigger ones, which is why it quickly catches the eye at the front, with the brand’s discreet characteristic grille, wraparound headlights that extend along the sides, and a bumper set into the large honeycomb-shaped grille, with fog lights on either side of it.

Moving along the side, we see how certain reminiscences of larger SUVs continue, with a high waistline and quite prominent wheel arches, emphasised even more by the cladding that surrounds them, starting at the front and running uninterrupted to the rear. At the rear we finish with an integrated spoiler, a light cluster that seems to protrude outwards on each side of the tailgate, and a design that, like the front, is characterised by its verticality. Six colours can be chosen for the bodywork, in addition to four two-tone combinations.

If we now focus on the interior, we will see that it has five real seats for five adults, with enough legroom, something achieved largely thanks to the flat floor, free of obstacles and compartments, especially in the rear seats, where occupants have 870 mm of distance from the front seats. This does not mean there are no storage compartments, as there are, along with a boot with 273 litres of capacity, or 473 litres if the rear seats are folded down.

As for its interior design, one might think it is austere, but it features two-tone fabric upholstery that breaks up the monotony of a single colour, along with a dashboard with angular shapes, a very vertical design and quite modern, as on the exterior, where the curious joystick-style gear lever stands out, although I would criticise it for looking a little cumbersome when reaching the climate control dials comfortably.

Its equipment may perhaps be somewhat scarce, but I repeat that what the Mahindra KUV100 aims for is good value for money, so you will find what is necessary without too many luxuries. Thus we have a four-speaker sound system with USB and AUX input, Keyless keyless entry, immobiliser, Easyparking rear sensor system, Hill Hold Control hill start assist, Hill Descent Control for steep or slippery descents, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, driver and passenger airbags, multi-function LED DRL lights, and ABS and ESC+TCS systems.

Mechanically, the Mahindra KUV100 will arrive in Europe solely with the petrol engine mFalcon G80, a 1,200 cc three-cylinder that delivers 82 CV of power and 115 Nm of torque, sent to the front axle. No fuel consumption or emissions figures have been given, but Mahindra does say it is characterised by good low-end performance for a pleasant drive, especially around town, as well as complying with Euro 6 regulations.

Its price will be its great trump card, set at 11,950 euros for the K6+ version and 13,250 euros for the K8 version, including VAT and registration tax, although at these prices you will have to deduct 1,500 euros for as long as the launch campaign lasts. Finally, it is worth noting that it will come with a 3-year warranty extendable by 2 more years or 100,000 km, along with 3 years of roadside assistance.