KUV100 NXT has got lots of changes on exterior as well as interior but these changes are just cosmetic changes. The main area where the KUV needed some serious improvement was the Engine and the Performance department. KUV was never a fun to drive car or a car for an enthusiast. Still they continued the same engine. Engine performance is just average. The car is very slow, In fact this is the slowest car I’ve ever driven. Steering isn’t responsive enough to give you confidence after 80 or 90 Km/hr and doesn’t gives you the guts to do triple digit speeds on this car. Braking at high speeds is slightly below average it doesn’t has that bite. In case of braking at high speed the car doestn’t stops in a straight line and tends to go sideways . The dashboard mounted gear lever might be easy to operate for some people but is it’s Uncomfortable and it becomes even more uncomfortable when you have the 3rd passenger sitting in the front row. There is lots of engine noise in the cabin and I don’t know why this engine sounds like a tractor. The pull type Handbrake is very very old school and outdated. In case of braking at high speeds the car doesn’t stops in a straight line and tends to go sideways. Head room is generous but legroom is just average. Mileage I got was 17 Kmpl in a combined highway and city drive. The engine noise is very irritating and suspension is just average.
KUV100 is very poor in performance, ride and handling. Engine was the main area where the KUV needed an upgrade but I don’t know why the continued the same engine in the face lift variant. Performance was very diappointing. NVH’s are not good when compared to other cars of the same segment. Hence Buying a KUV is not at all recommended.