Mahindra has gone ahead and given its first monocoque hatchback, the KUV100 a significant update. It has been only 21 months since its launch but Mahindra felt that it was already time for an update. The hatchback now gets styling tweaks and the addition of premium features making it a better overall offering.
On the outside
The KUV100 NXT has got many styling tweaks but none that are silhouette changing. Starting with the front-end, the car now has redesigned headlamps while retaining the DRL design from the older car. The headlight now misses out on the red detailing that was seen before. The front bumper has been redesigned and now gets a bigger grille with chrome inserts. At the bottom of the front bumper is a silver skid plate that gives the car a tougher appearance. Just like front, the rear has been redesigned as well and it receives a skid plate too. Mahindra looks to have really been going for the rugged look for its hatchback. This redesigning has led to an increase of 25mm to the overall length of the car.
Interestingly, Mahindra has also increased the car’s approach and departure angles to give it a little off-road character. The new 15 inch wheels suit the hatchback a lot more now. The outside rear view mirrors now get inbuilt turn indicators. The new car is more appealing but still continues to have strange proportions with mixed styling elements.
On the inside
Similar to the Anniversary Edition, this NXT gets all-black interiors in the top-spec K8 variant. The black interiors enhance the cabin’s appeal considerably. The centre portion of the dashboard is now redesigned and features new buttons. The NXT also gets the 7-inch touchscreen from the TUV300. This touchscreen infotainment system comes with navigation and smartphone compatibility but, lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Nonetheless, this screen is responsive and can be operated smoothly. The top-spec NXT also gets electric folding mirrors which aren’t even seen on cars above its class.
A big interior feature we still haven’t touched upon is the six-seat configuration, that now comes as standard on the KUV. The middle seat in the front isn’t exactly well-suited towards an adult but can seat a child. The centre console takes up most of the legroom that would be available to a passenger seated in the centre. However, the middle seat in the front can be folded down and be used as a huge armrest and that’s the best use for it. The boot space of 243-litres and rear seat space have remained unchanged.
The drive
Powering the KUV100 NXT are the same engines as earlier, a 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol motor and a 78hp, 1.2-litre diesel powertrain. Both engines are paired to five-speed manual gearboxes. The car being driven was the diesel; it was smooth and had good driveability. This engine allows one to cruise around in a higher gear without the need to shift into a lower gear constantly. However, even in Power mode, the car does not move enthusiastically. Mahindra claims to have reduced the vibrations, it does feel like it because there is less sound from the engine. On being revved the diesel starts to get quite noisy. Adding to the overall noise is the blower, which even at a low speed is really loud.
The steering feel continues to be heavy and vague when compared to its competition like the Grand i10 and the Ignis. Furthermore, the suspension being tuned to the softer side results to a constant bobbing motion on open roads.
Should I buy one?
The hatchback from Mahindra is spacious and practical while being easy to drive. It also has the ability to carry six passenger which is a huge plus point for buyers looking for a small family vehicle. With the NXT, the hatchback can now be had with some premium features which make the car more up to date. To add to it, the KUV is also well-priced. Mahindra is undoubtedly headed in the right direction.
