Mahindra has officially unveiled its new compact SUV called the KUV100. Earlier known by its internal codename S101, the KUV100 is Mahindra’s new entry-level compact SUV that will sit below the firm’s other compact SUV models – the TUV300 and the Quanto. The KUV100 is an addition to the carmaker's ever-expanding portfolio of SUVs. The vehicle has been designed at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai.
Unlike the recently launched TUV300 which sports a squarish silhouette, the KUV100 gets a round and muscular appearance, more in line with modern-day small crossovers like the Ford EcoSport. It gets a cab-forward design where the A-pillar starts aft the front wheel arch pointing to more interior room. It gets a longish wheelbase and the overall profile is unmistakably more compact crossover than SUV.
Like the Mahindra XUV500, the basic proportions of the KUV100 work very well for the model. Up front the KUV100 gets a pinched grille with large headlights that look a bit similar to the Range Rover Evoque's. The multi-layered bumper and chin give the KUV100 a grown-up appearance from the front. The KUV100’s sculpted bonnet gets a clamshell shape and muscular character lines on either side. It gets a rearward sloping roofline which overall gives it a sport appearance when viewed from the rear three quarters. Moving on to the sides, the raised fenders do look muscular along with the squarish wheel arches. However, the design cuts and thick character lines on the body are slightly overstated. The KUV100 gets a pillar-mounted door handle, just like the Chevrolet Beat, which gives the compact SUV a coupé-like appearance when viewed from the sides.
Spy pics of the interiors seen earlier showcased interesting details like a bench seat for the front row, just like the Datsun Go with the gear lever moved to the dashboard. The KUV100’s cabin is likely to get a single binnacle instrument cluster, with two rectangular AC vents that sit on top of the centre console. There are multiple buttons that look like multimedia controls, and space for a small screen too. Under this are three HVAC switches positioned vertically.
With the KUV100, the carmaker has introduced its new family of engines badged mFalcon. These include diesel and petrol derivatives. We were the first to reveal Mahindra's plans of launching an all-new engine line-up. The petrol motor on duty will be a three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine churning out 82 bhp at 5,500rpm, while the diesel will also be a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit good for 77bhp.
The Mahindra mFalcon diesel engine family includes petrol and diesel engines with three primary displacements – 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre – which will be further separated by its derivatives and power ratings. While the 1.6-litre engines have already been launched on the SsangYong Tivoli crossover sold overseas, the 1.2-litre range will make its debut in the KUV100. The 1.5-litre range, however, is still under development and will be seen on future products from Mahindra or SsangYong.
Mahindra’s new engine mFalcon family can be seen as its answer to Ford’s popular EcoBoost engine range. There are also talks of turbocharging and direct-injection tech to be added to this new engine family, all of which can deliver a max power output of upto 130bhp from the mFalcon 1.2-litre petrol motor.
The KUV100 will come in four variants. Mahindra will offer a safety pack that includes dual airbags across all variants. ABS will be standard across all trims. The KUV100 will be launched on January 15, 2016 and bookings for the model will commence from December 19, 2015.