Mahindra has launched the KUV100 its new compact crossover for Rs 4.42 lakhs (ex-showroom, Pune) for petrol and Rs 5.22 lakhs for diesel. The K abbreviates for Kool, and the Indian utility maker is targeting first time young car buyers with the KUV100. The 100 is the size, indicating this is smaller than the TUV300 and the XUV500. The new KUV100 has been designed for the young car buyers and hence it has funky styling with some rugged elements, which is a part of Mahindra’s DNA.
The new KUV100 will be powered by a new range of mFalcon engines. First is the mFalcon petrol engine, which is a 1.2-litre petrol engine (mFalcon G80) and this produces 82bhp of power. The 1.2-litre diesel engine (mFalcon D75) churns about 75bhp of power. This new family of engines are developed for Mahindra and Ssangyong vehicles. The diesel engine has a fuel efficiency of 25.23km/l and the petrol is 18.15km/l as per the Arai cycle.
The new KUV100 has been designed to have to ruggedness of an SUV and the peppiness of a hatchback. Mahindra believes that despite the growing number of private cabs, there will be car buyers who pick vehicles that will be driven by passion. Mahindra calls these customers as Road Warriors. This is the segment that the company is targeting with the KUV100. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra stated, 'the mid-size sedan segment is likely to shrink. There is a rise in demand for SUVs globally.' At the moment, there is no SUV in India under Rs 7 lakhs and Mahindra wants to be the first mover in this segment with the KUV100.
