The refreshed KUV100 NXT will feature a long list of updates, both inside and out. The front and rear bumpers are restyled and give the car a muscular and more SUV-like appearance. The car is slightly longer, and features a new front grille with design elements similar to newer models like the Genio pick-up and the upcoming U321 MPV. The car’s headlamps and tail-lamps will get new inserts and a clear lens design at the back.
The car will also feature integrated roof rails and a tailgate spoiler, while higher variants will also feature new 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. There will be six single-tone exterior paint shade options on offer, as well as three dual-tone options. The previous car was available in 24 variants, but now it will be sold in only 10. The KUV100 NXT will come with K2+, K4+, K6+, K8 and K8+ trims.
While you could get a five-seat version earlier, Mahindra will now sell the KUV100 in its six-seater configuration only. However, the five-seater version will be available on made-to-order basis. Two interior shades will be on offer, the lower spec trims are likely to come with grey interiors while the top-spec K8 will get an all-black layout.
The KUV100 NXT will, for the first time, come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the top-spec K8 trim. This system will feature multiple functions, including GPS navigation with maps from MapmyIndia. Mahindra is likely to use the same infotainment system in the new TUV300 T10 variant, the upcoming TUV300 Plus and the U321 MPV. Additionally, the KUV100 will also come with remote lock/unlock for the tail gate, power folding wing mirrors, rear parking sensors, a new multi-info display giving readouts for gearshift alert, drive modes and fuel economy. Higher trims are also likely to come with automatic climate control for the AC. The KUV100 facelift will also feature steering mounted controls, driver’s seat height adjust, a cooled glove box and mood lighting as additional features.
Mahindra KUV100 refresh: mechanical changes and safety features
Mahindra will continue with the same 82hp 1.2-litre petrol and the 76hp 1.2-litre diesel engine for the KUV100 mated to a single five-speed manual gearbox. The manufacturer has tuned the engine for better fuel economy figures than the earlier model. The major difference is expected to be in the NVH department. The refreshed KUV100 will come with strengthened engine mounts which, according to our source, has reduced engine noise and vibrations to a large extent. It will also feature a reworked air-filter design and suspension that now gets a longer travel rate at 150mm for the front and 200mm for the rear, which is likely to improve ride quality. Additionally, the KUV100 facelift has improved approach and departure angle as well (20 degrees and 29 degrees, respectively) which, along with additional ground clearance is likely to help it perform better on rough roads. As far as safety goes, the KUV100 NXT will come with dual front airbags, corner braking control and ninth-generation ABS and EBD.
Mahindra KUV100 NXT expected launch and pricing
As reported earlier, Mahindra is likely to launch the updated KUV100 in the coming days, with a marginal bump in pricing. The KUV100 has a wide competitor base, which includes the Maruti Ignis and cross-hatchbacks like the Etios Cross, Honda’s WR-V, the Hyundai i20 Active to name a few.
