Motoroids has spotted an AMT-equipped test mule of
the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. As per the report, the new variant of the micro-SUV
was seen near the company's Kandivali facility in Mumbai. The exhaust note
revealed that it was powered by a diesel engine.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT AMT features a
dashboard-mounted gear stalk. With regards to the design, the shifter looks
similar to the one on the Mahindra TUV300 AMT. Unlike Maruti Suzuki and Tata
Motors, which source the AMT from Magneti Marelli, M&M buys Automated
Manual Transmissions from Ricardo.
The AMT unit on the Mahindra KUV100 NXT is likely to
offer creep and economy modes. A hill hold function, however, is unlikely to be
provided. While an exact launch timeline for the AMT variants isn't known at
the moment, the new versions could be launched later this year or early next
year.
The NXT was launched as the mid-cycle facelift for
the KUV100 last October. The micro-SUV is on sale with two engines: 1.2-litre
mFalcon G80 petrol and 1.2-litre mFalcon D75 diesel. The petrol motor outputs a
maximum power of 82 bhp and a peak torque of 115 Nm. The oil-burner produces 77
bhp and 190 Nm. The introduction of the 5-speed AMT will be followed by the
launch of a zero-emissions pure electric powertrain.
