Mechanically, the KUV100 NXT remains the same as there are no changes to the chassis or the suspension. You can still chose between a 1.2-litre mFalcon G80 petrol engine and a 1.2-litre mFalcon D75 diesel engine. The 1,198-cc petrol engine comes with dual variable valve timing and engine start/stop, and produces 83 PS and 115 Nm. The more popular diesel model’s 1,198-cc turbocharged diesel engine features common-rail technology and produces 78 PS and 190 Nm. Both the engines come mated to a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
We drove the diesel variant and it felt exactly like we remember it. The KUV100 NXT gets new engine mounts, however, the difference in NVH levels wasn’t ground-breaking. It has the distinct diesel engine chatter, however, it never feels uncomfortable. The refinement of the mFalcon D75 is one of the best from Mahindra and it still has ample torque in the low rev range. It pulls nicely and continues to deliver a healthy dose of torque almost throughout the rev range.
Handling and ride-quality wise, the KUV100 NXT is identical to the earlier one. The ride-quality is good as it absorbs bumps and undulations well without sending any of the shock to the cabin. The softer suspension setup is excellent as far as ride-quality is concerned, however, when you consider handling, the KUV100 NXT clearly doesn’t like to be pushed enthusiastically. There is considerable amount of body roll which eats into the fun factor. However, drive the KUV at a gentler pace and it remains calm and composed throughout the corner. The steering has good and positive feel to it, however, it can do with a tad more feedback.
Safety is also taken care of in the form of standard ABS and airbags on all variants except for the base K2. Brakes are the same as before and they perform quite well.
Since the KUV100 NXT has the same engine as before, we reckon that the fuel-efficiency would in the 16–17 km/l, nearly identical to the earlier model. Prices for the new KUV100 NXT start at Rs 4.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the petrol variant and Rs 5.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the diesel variant, which is actually less than before. Even the top-end variants are just Rs 2,000 more expensive, making the KUV100 NXT a value for money proposition, just like before. With the introduction of new changes and same old pricing, just before Diwali, we reckon that Mahindra can hope for a bumper festive season this year.
