Targeted at the first time buyers and students, it promises to shake the market.
It comes with a bold new look, which includes a new grille, larger alloy wheels on the K8 variant and redesigned tail lamps.
“The New KUV 100 NXT offers an excellent value proposition of space along with safety features such as airbags and ABS from the base variant onwards. At R134 999, coupled with an attractive finance and insurance offer, this variant is expected to generate significant interest amongst the first-time buyers,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, who was accompanied by other executives from abroad.
Some of the most popular styling cues on The New KUV100 NXT, the fist-shaped side mirrors and the rear door handles in the C-pillars, have been retained, although the mirrors now incorporate the side turn signals.
At the rear, the tail gate and rear bumper have been completely redesigned. The rear tail gate features deeper character lines that form around brand-new double-barrel rear combination lights and a new electronic latch on certain models. The headlights are now equipped with LED daytime running lights.
It has been beefed up with a 7″ (17.8 cm) touch screen on the K8 variant, which replaces the previous 3.5″ display. This infotainment system is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and audio, image and video playback. Other luxury additions include a new remote boot-opening switch, a new gearshift indicator display, Intellipark reverse parking sensors and electrically foldable side mirrors on the K8.
Safety wise, all variants of the KUV are equipped with dual front airbags, child safety locks on the rear doors, ABS with EBD (EBD available only on K6+ and K8 variants) and corner braking control (CBC).
In addition, the K6+ and K8 versions of The New KUV100 NXT also have speed-sensing automatic door locks, automatic hazard warnings in emergency situations and a security alarm.
KUV100 NXT will be available soon in the market and retails for R134 999.
Other models rates:
KUV NXT K2+ Petrol: R134 999 (incl. VAT)
KUV NXT K4+ Petrol: R163 999 (Incl. VAT)
KUV NXT K6+ Petrol: R187 999 (incl. VAT)
KUV NXT K6+ Diesel: R204 999 (incl. VAT)
KUV NXT K8 Petrol: R199 999 (incl. VAT)
KUV NXT K8 Diesel: R219 999 (incl. VAT)
All models feature a full 3-year / 100 000 km standard warranty plus a 2-year / 50 000 km powertrain warranty. All K6+ and K8+ models also have a 3-year / 50 000 km service plan as standard. Service intervals for both the petrol and diesel models are 10 000 km and all vehicles have a 3-year roadside assistance plan.
Meanwhile, the XUV500 boast visual appeal, with a particularly neat new front grille/bumper treatment and modernised rear end.
We test driven it, as we headed to Irene Lodge in Pretoria and back to Lanseria Aiport, that was preceded by a chopper airlift to Wonderboom Airport. Awesomeness…
Despite its hard interior, leather seats and greater coherency of design and better use of chrome accenting are some of selling points.
The flagship W10 derivative further features push-button start and a sunroof. Overall, the XUV500 remains a comfortable, practical car for a family. There is a multitude of storage spaces dotted around the cabin and some of them feature practical rubber matting.
Safety, XUV500 ticks most boxes, depending on which variant you’re considering. The W4 and W6 only have 2 airbags, but W8 and W10 variants get 6. From W6 spec and up, all derivatives feature an electronic stability programme, hill hold and hill descent control.
This XUV should improve Mahindra’s sales, as more automatic variants become available.
At the new pricing, the XUV500 offers value for money, finish & klaar!
Prices for various models:
Mahindra XUV500 W4 6-spd manual: R299 999
Mahindra XUV500 W6 6-spd automatic: R359 999
Mahindra XUV500 W8 6-spd manual: R374 999
Mahindra XUV500 W8 6-spd automatic: R403 999
Mahindra XUV500 W10 6-spd automatic: R419 999
Additional reporting: Sydney Morweng.
