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.