Mahindra will give the Mahindra KUV100 a facelift
this year. According to a report from Autocar India, the company will name the
refreshed model ‘Mahindra KUV100 NXT’. The new model will have mechanical and
cosmetic changes, as well as revisions to the range.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT will have restyled bumpers
that will make the hatchback look more SUV-like. As a result, the length will
increase from 3,675 mm to 3,700 mm. Faux skid plates will further add to the
SUV-inspired styling. The headlamps and tail lamps will also have tweaks, with
the latter featuring a clear lens design. The facelifted KUV100 will feature a
new toothed grille similar to that of the Mahindra Genio. The doors and
tailgate will have sharper and more aggressive crease lines. The exterior
changes will include new 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels too. Mahindra will
offer six colour choices and up to three two-tone schemes for the KUV100 NXT.
Mahindra will sell the Mahindra KUV100 NXT in only
ten variants, in K2+, K4+, K6+, K8 and K8+ grades. The KUV100 is available in
5- and 6-seat versions. Mahindra will offer KUV100 NXT’s 5-seat version only on
a made-to-order basis. Customers will get to choose from two interior colour
schemes, grey likely in the low-end grades and black in the K8 grade.
In terms of equipment, the Mahindra KUV100 NXT will
feature electrically folding ORVMs, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with
GPS navigation with maps from MapmymIndia, remote tailgate locking/unlocking,
rear parking sensors and new MID with readouts for gearshifts, drive modes and
fuel economy. Safety features will include dual-front airbags, corner braking
control and ninth-gem ABS and EBD.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT will have enhanced versions
of today’s G80 1.2-litre petrol and D75 1.2-litre diesel engines for improved
fuel economy. The current KUV100 has a fuel economy rating of 18.15 km/l
(petrol)/25.32 km/l (diesel). According to a source familiar with the KUV100
NXT’s development, strengthened engined mounts will notably reduce engine noise
and vibrations. The facelifted KUV100 will have a reworked air-filter design
and suspension with a longer travel (front: 150 mm, rear: 200 mm), which should
improve the ride quality. The new model will have improved approach and
departure angles (20 degrees and 29 degrees respectively), which, along with
additional ground clearance, should increase the ride quality on poor-condition
roads.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT’s launch will take place
this month. A minor price hike is expected with the facelift. The pre-facelift
model’s prices range from INR 4,58,282-7,35,632 (ex-showroom Delhi).