Mahindra S101 Sub-Compact SUV Christened KUV100; Launch on 15 January

Mahindra KUV100, previously known as the S101, will be the country's largest utility vehicle maker's sub-compact SUV. To be launched in India on January 15, 2016, bookings for Mahindra's upcoming SUV will commence from tomorrow. Interestingly, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has been roped in as the brand ambassador for the all-new Mahindra KUV100.

Along with the official name of the S101 compact SUV, Mahindra also introduced the new engine line-up that will power the KUV100 and other models in the future. The carmaker had said it will launch 10 products in the 2015-16 fiscal, out of which 7 have already been launched in the Indian car market. Next up is the Mahindra KUV100, of which over 1000 units have already been manufactured.

Also Read: Things you Need to Know About Mahindra KUV100

The company is targeting customers below the of age of 30, which makes for 60 per cent of India's population, with the Mahindra KUV100. The carmaker also pointed out that this target segment comprises of thrill seekers who want to stand-out in the world, carrying their modern lifestyle, and a get-it-now attitude. The Mahindra KUV100, apparently, caters to all these aspects, thus making it the ideal SUV for the youth.

Coming to the naming concept, the Mahindra KUV100 stands for 'Kool Utility Vehicle', thus giving it a modern and youthful twist. As for the design, Mahindra claims that the new KUV100 comes with all the muscle and stance of a signature Mahindra SUV along with the styling cues and looks of a modern and youthful SUV. The Mahindra KUV100 will be available in 7 colour options and in 4 variants with ABS as a standard provision across the line-up.

Also Read: Mahindra KUV100 Review

As far as engine options go, the Mahindra KUV100 will be powered by an all-new range of petrol and diesel engines, christened - mFalcon. The most prominent among these two will be the petrol engine - the mFalcon G80. It is not just because the G80 will be the first ground-up petrol engine created by Mahindra, but also the lightest engine in its segment, made up of an all-aluminium body. The new 1.2-litre petrol engine uses advanced technologies with high power density and fuel efficiency with a power output of 82bhp.

On the other hand the all new diesel engine - mFalcon D75 is a 1.2-litre turbocharged common rail diesel engine. The new oil burner is capable of producing 77bhp and a peak torque of 190Nm and gets BS IV emission rating. Both the engines will come mated to a manual gearbox with no current plans for an AMT unit.

Also Read Specs Comparison: Mahindra KUV100 vs Hyundai Grand i10 vs Maruti Suzuki Swift

As far as the Mahindra KUV100's rivals go, the upcoming sub-compact SUV technically has none. However, the Mahindra KUV100's price may lead to competition with the Hyundai Grand i10.