The latest to joins the ranks of the XUV500 and TUV300 in the alpha-numeric brigade of Mahindras is the KUV100. It’s one’kool’ and’kompact’ car, says the company. And though we don’t find kool cool, it’s hard not to overlook the car’s design. It’s a new car from the ground up – chassis, engine and everything else.
The KUV100 looks bold and imposing by hatchback standards. The Mahindra looks like it has more meat on its bones compared to its leaner, sportier-looking rivals – the Maruti Swift and the Hyundai Grand i10. There’s a lot to take in up front – from the SUV-inspired contoured bonnet and dual coloured bumper which gives the Mahindra a strong jawline, to the swept-back headlamps with tiny LED DRLs(available in the top two trims) and those claw marks either side of the Mahindra logo on the tiny grille. In profile, you’ll notice the brow that stretches into the front door. The Mahindra stands 1, 655mm tall, and sits 170mm off the ground. The rear doors handles are mounted next to the window à la the Chevrolet Beat. It’s all tastefully done, the 14-inch wheels aside, which make the car look somewhat undernourished. There’s even a sharp, eye-catching waistline that flows to the back of the car and ends above the tail-lamps. The lower half of the KUV gets plastic cladding which will help keep dings and scratches at bay.
Inside, you’re treated to a well-appointed, spacious cabin with ample storage space and comfortable accommodation for five occupants. All-round visibility is good, and the cabin is quite airy with a sizeable window area. The high floating dashboard incorporates an instrument cluster which looks like a downsized version of the TUV300’s – with an analogue tacho and speedo readouts on either side of the digital screen which displays gear position, engine temperature and fuel level.