Top 3 things you need to know about the Mahindra KUV100 NXT

1. The entry-level model, the KUV100 NXT 1.2 G80 K2+, at R151 999, is SA's cheapest crossover.

Perhaps its list of modern convenience features falls a little short, but if you need a basic point-A-to-point-B vehicle, the KUV 100 Nxt is a decent choice. It is equipped with ABS and 2 airbags. It's not the most dynamic vehicle but it's still a better choice than a Renault Kwid or a Haval H1.

Mahindra also has a great after-sales reputation, and moreover, the brand won gold at the 2019 NADA awards for their ability to meet customers' needs. Should anything go wrong with your KUV100, you know you're taken care of. 

The KUV100 Nxt 1.2 G80 K2+ has a 3-year/100 0000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty for the powertrain too — not something we see in this segment very often. 

2. The Mahindra KUV100 NXT came out on top in the 2019 Kinsey Report

In a nutshell, this means that it's one of SA's cheapest cars to service and maintain. The Kinsey Report focuses on ownership and after sales instead of just the merits of the car and specification level.

"The 2020 AA-Kinsey report, compiled and published independently, found that the KUV also has the most affordable crash-replacement parts, making it the overall price winner in the compact crossover segment of the study. The crossover segments remain the most crowded and hotly-contested segment of the Kinsey Report," announced the AA.

3. The AA says the KUV100 NXT is "moderately safe", but BNCAP gave it 5 stars

Despite the fact that no crash tests have been performed on the SA-spec Mahindra KUV, a few owners of these baby-SUVs have reported that they walked away almost unharmed after being involved in accidents. In this video, a South African lady named Susan tells us about her ordeal when she had a massive accident on the freeway. The post-collision photo of the vehicle can also be seen. 

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is equipped with the basic safety features such as ABS and 2 airbags, but in the end it's the structural integrity of a vehicle that makes the biggest difference between walking away and landing up in hospital with serious injuries, or worse. We saw this in recent crash tests performed by global NCAP for the Haval H1 and Renault Kwid, which only scored 2 stars each. Despite 2 airbags and ABS, the cabins still crumpled quite badly. The KUV100 NXT is deemed "moderately safe" by die AA, but may be more resistant against damage thanks to its high-strength steel construction; but we will have to wait for the crash test to be performed before knowing for sure. According to the BSAC, (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program), the Indian safety authority, it scored 5 stars, and is one of the safest cars in its class.

Did you know..?

The South African lineup of KUV100 NXT models has a 1.2-litre diesel model that will make your fuel last forever. WesBank's 2019 Fuel Economy tour is testament to this:

"One of the standout awards was the very competitive A1 class and here Mahindra rose to the challenge and took the top spot with the KUV100 NXT K6. With its 1.2 diesel engine, the KUV100 NXT used the least fuel in its class and it delivered an average fuel consumption figure of only 5.2249 litres per 100 km. This is a winning margin of 14% over its closest competitor", states Mahindra.

Local line-up and pricing

KUV100 NXT K2 Petrol R151 999

KUV100 NXT K2+ #DARE Petrol R162 999

KUV100 NXT K6+ Petrol R190 999

KUV100 NXT K6+ #DARE Petrol R199 999

KUV100 NXT K6+ Diesel R216 999

KUV100 NXT K8+ Petrol R222 999

KUV100 NXT K8+ Diesel R 242 999

(#DARE models have dark detailing and #DARE decals as standard, and free insurance for one year is included in the price. Only available on K2+ and K6+ models.)

 

Other safe cars in the segment

If you want to be assured of a safe, entry-level baby-SUV, we can wholeheartedly recommend the Renault Sandero Stepway, which scored 3 stars for adult occupant protection and 4 stars for children. Then there's also the Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Polo Vivo  which scored three stars, if you're looking for a safe and reliable transport. Also consider the VW up! Cross, which comes with 6 airbags and ESC as standard. Look for a used or a demo model if you can't buy new.

Another favourite of ours is the Suzuki Ignis, but although 3 stars for adult occupant protection, it scored only one star for child occupant protection. 

 

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