Fresh on the heels of purchasing Pininfarina, Indian automaker Mahindra has revealed a new micro crossover.
Designed exclusively for its home market, the Mahindra KUV100 has been created to appeal to young buyers and represents a number of firsts for the company. For starters, it is the first compact passenger vehicle they’ve created and also debuts Mahindra’s first petrol engine, a 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit.
It has a maximum of 83 hp and 114 Nm of torque at its disposal and will be offered alongside a 1.2-liter diesel, dubbed the mFalcon75, with 77 hp and 190 Nm.
According to executive director of Mahindra & Mahindra, Pawan Goenka, “The launch of KUV100 is a defining moment in the automotive journey of Mahindra. KUV100 is our first foray into ground up petrol engine and with it we are defining a new SUV sub-segment and targeting a new customer group.”
Given its bargain price of just over $6,600 in current exchange rates, the Mahindra KUV100 is reasonably equipped, with Bluetooth connectivity, an infotainment system, dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes at the front axle. The rear on the other hand, makes do with (cheaper) drum brakes, obviously deemed enough for its puny performance.
Both petrol and diesel models will be available in seven different trim levels, aiming to cater to a wide audience with varying budgets, and the same number of paint options (Flamboyant Red, Dazzling Silver, Fiery Orange, Aquamarine, Pearl White, Designer Grey and Midnight Black).
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