Mahindra KUV100 NXT

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT’s styling can be best described as polarising – some like it, some don’t. The cabin has more universal appeal thanks to a neatly done dashboard, good quality and lots of storage spaces. Five-seat versions get comfy individual chairs up front while the six-seat versions feature a bench arrangement. It’s a bit of a squeeze for three in the latter version and middle-passenger safety up front seems compromised. Space at the back is rather good but the small rear windows restrict the view out.
The KUV100’s 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine offers adequate performance but is flat in the way it delivers power. The engine also gets thrummy when driven with vigour and fuel economy isn’t the best either. Far more likeable is the 78hp, 1.2-litre diesel. It is refined as small-capacity diesels go, is comfortable at low speeds and offers adequate performance out of city limits too. Both KUV100s get slick 5-speed manual gearboxes.
The KUV100 NXT is softly sprung; so while low-speed ride is good, the car tends to bob at high speeds. The steering is well-weighted but could have been lighter in town.

The price walk from the petrol KUVs to the diesel is rather substantial. As a result, the better-rounded diesels also make sense; but only for buyers who cover long distances each month. You’d get the most equipment on the top-spec K8 versions. However, the K6+ trim versions also get plenty of kit including dual airbags and ABS, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and electric-mirror adjust. Also, it’s the five-seaters that we’d recommend over the six-seat versions.