Mahindra launches compact sports utility vehicle KUV100

Pune: Automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Friday launched its compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) KUV100, priced between Rs.4.42 lakh and Rs.5.22 lakh (ex-showroom Pune).

"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," said Pawan Goenka, executive director, M&M.

"Yet another 'Make in India’ product, the KUV100 aptly represents our ‘Rise’ philosophy in action, as our development team used alternative thinking and challenged the limits to deliver a vehicle that is poised to be nothing less than a game-changer for us.”

According to the company, the KUV100 is powered by the advanced mFALCON engine with options of both petrol (mFALCON, G80) and diesel (mFALCON, D75).

The new vehicle's petrol-powered variant has a 1.2 litre, 61Kw (82 bhp) dual VVT engine with multi-point fuel injection.

The diesel-fuelled version comes with a 1.2 litre, 57.4 Kw (77 bhp) turbo-charged engine with common rail direct injection technology.

The fuel efficiency of diesel version stands at 25.32 km per litre.

"I believe the KUV100 will appeal to youth and first-time car buyers with its aggressive styling, trendy interiors, long feature list and attractive price point and emerge as a winner,” said Pravin Shah, president and chief executive (automotive), M&M.

The company elaborated that KUV100 features a flexi-six seater option to seat six passengers.

Besides, the flexible sixth seat can be converted to a large armrest for the driver and co-driver. The KUV100 is available in a five-seater option.

In addition, the KUV100 comes with various safety features such as ABS (antilock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake distribution), while dual airbags are available as an option on base version and standard in the top end variant.

The company said KUV100 meets the upcoming 2017 safety regulations which will be applicable to KUV100 in 2019.

Other safety features include body cage made of ultra-high strength steel, ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts, speed-sensing auto door lock and unlock in case of a crash, automatic hazard lights on panic braking and dual rear fog lamps.