While the focus may be on Haval of late, Mahindra is also a rather large contender in the new wave of offerings arriving on South African shores. With consumers budget belts becoming ever tighter, these relatively affordable offerings are becoming increasingly popular. The Mahindra KUV100 is a compact SUV or crossover that targets buyers of conventional small hatchbacks.
Related: What is covered under Mahindra KUV100 manufacturer warranty?
The KUV100 provides the rugged personality, taller stance and all-round versatility more usually associated with SUVs but in a compact package which is easy to drive and park around the city. The KUV100 measures in at 3 675mm long, 1 715mm wide and 1 635mm tall. The KUV100 has chunky dimensions that suit its SUV personality while a relatively long 2 385mm wheelbase suggests ample interior space relative to the vehicle’s overall length.
Standard KUV100
The standard Mahindra KUV100 in K4+ guise features contrasting black wheel arch cladding as well as lower body protection highlighting the cars adventurous character. This model also features 14-inch steel wheels which are shod with 185/65 R14 tyres as well as a full wheel cover for the spare. This model also benefits from front and rear mud flaps.
As for the interior, well, one will find a sporty black theme, piano black inserts, and silver accents. The K4+ also offers luxuries such as a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, under floor storage in the rear, electrically operated windows, air-conditioning, manual central locking, and a fold-down rear bench seat. As for safety, the K4+ incorporates items such as ABS brakes with EBD and CBC, as well as dual front airbags and inertia reel seatbelts at the front and rear.
KUV100 #DARE
Following on from the immense popularity of the standard KUV Mahindra introduced the special #DARE variant. This model has been aimed at the youth and features additional style elements such as a set of #DARE decals on the rear doors and tailgate. These all-black decals, in combination with the dual-tone colour combination, ensure that the #DARE easily catches the eye. It also features a set of 14-inch black alloy wheels.
The interior has also been given an update and one will find a Pioneer audio system, which converts your smartphone into an infotainment control centre. From here you can access phone’s features and music, while also using it to control the audio system. The #DARE also adds central locking, a custom embossed carpet set and a rear parcel shelf.
KUV100 Two-Tone K8+
Considered to be the flagship within the range the KUV100 Two-Tone in K8+ guise offers customers a raft of features while also appealing to the youth and young professionals. This model features a contrasting black roof as well as daylight running lights upfront with chrome accents around the fog lamps and dual rear fog lamps. The spider-design alloy wheels are also worth mentioning as are the roof rails and sporty rear spoiler.
The interior features a dual-tone theme with piano-black inserts which add a sense of class. It also features mood lighting inside the door handles and diamond-shaped outer AC vents. As for entertainment, the K8+ features a 7.0-inch touch screen infotainment system that is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and audio, image and video playback.
Engine options
The KUV100 is available with the choice of two, three-cylinder, all-aluminium engines in the form of either petrol or diesel. The 1.2-litre mFalcon G80 petrol engine delivers 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque while the 1.2-litre mFalcon D75 turbo diesel engine develops 57 kW and a generous 190 Nm of torque.
Our winner
At a price of R242 999 for the flagship model, the KUV100 K8+ diesel is our winner as it offers all the bells and whistles at a relatively reasonable price. Browse Mahindra KUV100 models here. *Pricing provided in this article was correct at the time of writing and could change at any time, without notice.
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