Mahindra KUV 100 mFALCON G80 K8

KUV 100 mFALCON G80 K8 Review

Introduction:

Designed to look 'kool' and impress the youth, this micro SUV comes with a fresh and revolutionary design. Powered by all new mFALCON engines, these machines are out to impress the masses. Mahindra KUV100 mFALCON G80 K8 is the top end variant in the KUV100 family, it comes with all the features that Mahindra has to offer for this machine. We are here to find out whether it lives up to all the hype it has generated in the recent months.

Pros:

•      Price factor, it offers top features and a great price.

•      Safety features are sure to make an impression on the masses.

 Cons:

•      Not the best in terms of fuel efficiency.

 Standout Features:

•      Spacious cabin and seat availability for six passengers.

Overview:

Mahindra & Mahindra has created a new class in the market, micro SUV, by launching KUV100. And also, through this firm has stepped into petrol car market. Aggressive design and SUV stance makes it stand up to the Mahindra's DNA. Powered by Mahindra's very own aluminum built mFALCON petrol engine which comes with reduced weigh. It is also future emission protected. Sculpted bonnet design, unique wraparound sunglass like headlamps, trendy DRLs, spider designed alloy wheels, sporty rear spoiler, body side claddings produce an aggressive and stylish look to the machine. Interiors are very fashionable and spacious. Stylish dashboard design, sculpted steering, diamond shaped outer AC vents, and premium fabric upholstery are some of the features which grab your attention once you enter the car. Monocoque construction, refined suspension tuned by Cayman Dynamics, Power/ ECO drive modes and Micro hybrid technology are some of the key features it has to offer among others.

Exteriors:

Mahindra has come out with a revolutionary exterior design which is aimed at customers and their growing passion to own a compact yet muscular looking machine. On the front, we have a sculpted bonnet producing a combative look. Chrome inserted front grille with Mahindra's logo embedded on its center adds to the sharp looks it has got. This grille is surrounded by sunglass like headlamp and LED indicator light cluster on both sides which extend right up to the front door edges, with mFALCON written on them. Dual tone Bumper on front comes with a honeycomb structured air intake section and hexagonal shaped fog lamps with chrome accents present above its ends. Spider design alloy wheels, clenched fist-inspired ORVMs (Outside rear View Mirrors), muscular body design, B-pillar design and dynamic sharp lines improve its side profile appearance. Rear profile is not as thrilling as front fascia but is good enough to impress you. Fog lamps with chrome accents, rear spoiler, sporty mud flaps, dual tone rear bumper and double barrel tail lamps add to the sportive looks. Stylish roof rails, slim & short roof antenna, sharp lines on top are notable. Door and wheel arch claddings are added for the rugged SUV looks. Tinted wind screen and mirrors help in better view. Rear door handles are ergonomically high placed. Door handles and ORVMs both get body color finish.

Interiors:

The spacious interior with bench seating arrangement accommodating 6 passengers leaves you amazed. The black and beige color combination gives a soothing look. The dash board has got a stylish and refined design. It is attached with three spoke tilt-able electric power steering system with sculpted steering wheel and advanced instrument cluster holding multiple functions. Interestingly, the gear shift knob is fixed to the dashboard which makes room for three passengers on front while hand brake is fixed right below the center console. Rectangular AC vents are at top of the center console and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) controls are positioned vertically just besides gear shift knob. Besides these, for enhanced passenger comfort, it is housed with steering mounted audio & phone controls, blue-sense App compatibility, head rests for all front & rear row seats, height adjustable driver seat, sun glass holder, unique flat folding rear seat, dead pedal (driver foot rest), cooled glove box, cup holders in the arm rest, bottle holders in all 4 doors, infotainment with driver information system, slick TFT display and many other features. It also has got 243 liter boot space to add to user comfort. Along with that the under seat storage and under floor storage are helpful increasing the storage space. Seats are done in premium fabric upholstery which are comfortable and look great as well.

Performance:

The high end trim in its family, Mahindra KUV100 mFALCON G80 K8 is powered by mFALCON G80 MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) engine with dual variable valve timing, light in weight which adds to the performance. This 1.2 liter petrol engine with 1198 cc displacement has the capability to produce 82 bhp at 5500 rpm and 115 Nm torque at 3500-3600 rpm. This motor is mated with 5 speed manual gear box and has front wheel drive train and fulfills BS4 emission norms. Makers say that this petrol motor can attain mileage of 18.15 kmpl which is quite decent.  

Ride & Handling:

In terms of ride and handling, this trim houses best features. The front axle is supported by independent McPherson Strut with Dual Path mounts type suspension system and Coil spring along with Hydraulic gas charged shock absorbers. On the other hand, rear axle is attached with Semi-independent twist beam type suspension and coil spring with hydraulic gas charged shock absorber. Minimum turning radius required is 5.05M which is not large. To boost the braking performance it comes with the drum and disc brake system for front and rear wheels respectively. The efficiency is further improved with the presence of ABS (Anti lock Braking System) and EBD.

Safety:

This trim has got some appreciable essentials in terms of safety of vehicle and passengers. Dual air bags and ABS with EBD come as standard features. ISOFIX mounts for child seat on rear seat with child safety locks on rear doors, automatic hazard lights on panic braking, dual rear fog lamps, engine immobilizer to avoid theft and anti slip clips for driver side floor mat are some features in its arsenal. Robust monocoque construction for superior handling and ability to deal with collisions. 

Verdict:

If you are looking for a car with good features at a comparatively affordable price, then it is the car for you. It has got all the features that you want, Standard ABS with EBD and other safety features are sure to make this a good deal, however if your are the one who is looking for better fuel efficiency and good after sales service then you have should surely avoid this and look elsewhere.