India’s First Compact SUV ‘Mahindra KUV100’ Makes Its Debut
At the time when Pakistan’s auto policy has started a tug of war between the Japanese and European car makers, and the dream of Pakistan’s very own automobile seems to be shattering, India has achieved new milestones when it comes to localized car production. Considering the popularity of SUV vehicles all around the world, the Indian car manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra has introduced India’s first Compact SUV named KUV100 (Kool Utility Vehicle 1 Double Oh).
The SUV has been designed in Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai and is assembled in a factory in Chakan, Maharashtra. This is Mahindra’s third vehicle in sub 4 meters category after the TUV300 and Quanto.
The KUV100 comes with two 1200 CC engines from Mahindra’s own mFalcon series engines. The petrol engine is called mFalcon G80 and is rated at 82 horsepower, and 114 Nm of torque whereas the turbocharged diesel engine is named mFalcon D75 and is rated at 77 horsepower and 190 N.m of torque. Both engines are mated to 5-speed manual gearbox.
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The new SUV will be available in 7 different variants (K2, K2+, K4, K4+, K6, K6+ and K8) and seven different colors including Fiery Orange, Flamboyant Red, Dazzling Silver, Aquamarine, Pearl White, Designer Grey and Midnight Black. All cars will come equipped with EBD and ABS as well as safety airbags, optional.
Mahindra believes the car gives class-leading fuel economy. The diesel is estimated to give 25.32 km/l whereas petrol engine is estimated to give 18.15 km/l.
KUV100 is priced from INR 4.42 lacs (approx 7 lacs PKR) to INR 6.76 lacs (approx 10.5 lacs PKR) depending on the variant. You can control the entertainment system and check relevant alerts of KUV100 with Mahindra-developed application Blue Sense from your smartphone as well.
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The KUV100 doesn’t have a direct competitor as far as India’s car makers are concern, but Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Ford Figo and Hyundai Grand i10 are its closest rivals. Mahindra’s executive director Pawan Kumar Goenka believes Mahindra has introduced a new definition of SUV class of vehicle with their new KUV100.
Pictures’ Source: Car Blog India