On a Visit to India In May, I drove the Petrol Version.After 40 kilometers on Mumbai's street, it had been apparent to me that the high-riding hatchback might well raise some eyebrows at the SA passenger-car marketplace.
It was powered with a 1.2-litre turbodiesel engine capable of a small 57kW/190Nm. They assert the fuel intake is 4.4l/100km however, you won't be able to correctly tell because it does not have a intake indicator.
Specifications:
The K6+ derivatives and over provide a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity into the Mahindra Blue Sense program.
Despite its low horsepower, the three-cylinder delivered since it did in Mumbai and felt more lively with plenty of torque involving all five gears.
The gearbox actually deserves all of the accolades. The changing is precise and solid but regrettably the clutch pedal is low down to the ground. It took me some time to become used to and this is possibly something Mahindra should rethink.
In case you've got small feet, then you may be OK or simply allow your toddler push you around.
Taking into a sand street revealed a decent ride but the elevation of this 1155kg KUV100 supposed that the ride was fairly bumpy, particularly at speed. Build quality could also be improved upon since I experienced wind noise when driving on the street.
I would not go for the gas model although it also gets the 1.2-litre three-cylinder motor (61kW/115Nm). It seems lethargic and nothing than the diesel. Initially, second and third gear that it actually fought like the Bulls failed in Super Rugby this season.
Is your KUV worth purchasing? :
It is a tough ask as the majority of these cars have good business value, brand loyalty, better-perceived build quality along with a recognized dealer network.
There's 1 place the Mahindra KUV100 outshines the rest and that's on cost.
I might have been slightly reluctant of this KUV100 but in the conclusion of the launch I'd really warmed up into the petrol version. The price tag, equipment level and total driving experience left a fantastic impression. Let us expect the automaker ages like a fine wine, not like vinegar.
In summary, the diesel motor and gearbox are more than sufficient but the largest concerns are pedal positioning, clutch and end sound. It remains to be seen if South Africans will probably be considering the KUV100 but it's definitely worth a mention. Even if the Mahindra KUV100 is not quite your cup of tea, then there's more Mahindra in route.