Why the KUV100 Is a Crucial Product for Mahindra and Mahindra
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
1 min read
Jan 14, 2016, 05:26 PM
Flashback to the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, when Ford took the covers off its EcoSport subcompact SUV. The car was so well received; I even deemed it my best of show that year! The king of the SUV hill, Mahindra and Mahindra was rattled, and had to double back and offer its own subcompact. This was achieved by chopping the rear off the Xylo and rushing the Quanto to market. The car did reasonably well, but once the EcoSport came to market in 2013, it was all over for Mahindra. The Renault Duster that had arrived a year earlier had already eroded Mahindra's market share, and post 2013, the company has struggled as rivals launched one compact SUV after another.
Mahindra accelerated its development of new platform vehicles, and we are now starting to see the fruit of that labour. The TUV300 arrived last year, and now it is the S101 - christened KUV100. Now I must clarify that Mahindra has been very smart about the positioning of the KUV100. The car is in fact just that - a car - in the guise of a subcompact SUV. And that is the smart part. The reason SUVs, and compacts in particular have done so well is because they are immensely aspirational. This holds true for every class of car buyer. The 'cross' models of cars like the Etios Liva and i20 have proved this amply. And so the KUV100 has great appeal for buyers desperate to step into the SUV realm.
Also Read: Things you Need to Know About Mahindra KUV 100
There is also an inherent love and loyalty for the Mahindra brand in India. A number of buyers are always happy when Mahindra offers an option at a certain price point or segment - and immediately gravitate towards it - in spite of what critics say (XUV, TUV, new Scorpio, Xylo... the list is endless!). The KUV100 has more to prove, as it represents the modern Mahindra. It also comes with the company's first indigenously built petrol engine (1.2 litre, 82 bhp mFalcon G80). There is also a greater expectation now of better quality materials and fit/finish from Mahindra, as we have seen incremental improvements with each of the past few products - Scorpio, XUV500 facelift, TUV300.
Also Read: Mahindra KUV100 Launched in India & Mahindra KUV100 Review
So as we await the launch of the KUV100, here is what I think will stand out and work for Mahindra: Lots of variants - each with at least optional if not standard safety features like dual airbags and ABS. Engines that promise power and efficiency, along with many creature comforts and gadgets at the top end. And of course the trump card Mahindra also saves up for any launch - killer pricing that will undercut not just the 'cross' brigade, but many hatchbacks too. Let us see if I am correct - 24 hours from now.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Mahindra accelerated its development of new platform vehicles, and we are now starting to see the fruit of that labour. The TUV300 arrived last year, and now it is the S101 - christened KUV100. Now I must clarify that Mahindra has been very smart about the positioning of the KUV100. The car is in fact just that - a car - in the guise of a subcompact SUV. And that is the smart part. The reason SUVs, and compacts in particular have done so well is because they are immensely aspirational. This holds true for every class of car buyer. The 'cross' models of cars like the Etios Liva and i20 have proved this amply. And so the KUV100 has great appeal for buyers desperate to step into the SUV realm.
Also Read: Things you Need to Know About Mahindra KUV 100
There is also an inherent love and loyalty for the Mahindra brand in India. A number of buyers are always happy when Mahindra offers an option at a certain price point or segment - and immediately gravitate towards it - in spite of what critics say (XUV, TUV, new Scorpio, Xylo... the list is endless!). The KUV100 has more to prove, as it represents the modern Mahindra. It also comes with the company's first indigenously built petrol engine (1.2 litre, 82 bhp mFalcon G80). There is also a greater expectation now of better quality materials and fit/finish from Mahindra, as we have seen incremental improvements with each of the past few products - Scorpio, XUV500 facelift, TUV300.
Also Read: Mahindra KUV100 Launched in India & Mahindra KUV100 Review
So as we await the launch of the KUV100, here is what I think will stand out and work for Mahindra: Lots of variants - each with at least optional if not standard safety features like dual airbags and ABS. Engines that promise power and efficiency, along with many creature comforts and gadgets at the top end. And of course the trump card Mahindra also saves up for any launch - killer pricing that will undercut not just the 'cross' brigade, but many hatchbacks too. Let us see if I am correct - 24 hours from now.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Related News
Research More on Mahindra KUV100
7.7/10
*Ex-Showroom Price
₹ 6.8 - 8.62 Lakh
Popular Mahindra Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Jun 20, 2026Aprilia SR 125, SR 175 Tribute Edition Launched: Prices Start At Rs 1.17 LakhAprilia has expanded the SR scooter range with the launch of the new Tribute Edition for the SR 125 and SR 175.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 20, 2026Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 Deliveries Begin In IndiaDeliveries have commenced in Bengaluru, where the company has also established a dedicated sales and service network for its first electric motorcycle.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 20, 2026E85 Petrol Now Available In Mumbai At Rs 91.18 Per LitreMumbai has become the second city in India to receive an E85 fuel dispenser, with the higher-ethanol blend now retailing at Rs 91.18 per litre.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 19, 2026Skoda Peaq Electric SUV Interior Previewed Ahead Of Global DebutThe Peaq will be Skoda’s flagship electric SUV in global markets and will be the company’s largest model yet.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 19, 2026Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30Electric derivative of reborn Sierra could feature optional dual-motor all-wheel drive, share battery packs with the Harrier.1 min read
car&bike Team | Jun 18, 2026Kia Cars To Get Costlier From July 1: Prices Up By Up To 2%Come July 1, 2026, all Kia cars sold in India will become dearer by up to 2 per cent.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 15, 20262026 Yezdi Scrambler Review: The Update That Changes EverythingThe Yezdi Scrambler gets a comprehensive update with an updated engine, revised chassis, reduced weight and proper features list. Does it deliver? Here’s our take.10 mins read
Preetam Bora | Jun 10, 20262026 BMW F 450 GS Review: A True GS - But Should You Buy It?The GS badge on a BMW means something and always has. Can the new made-in-India BMW F 450 GS truly live up to that legacy? We spent a few days getting familiar with the F 450 GS to see if it’s worth a buy.12 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 10, 20262026 Tata Altroz Long-Term Review: Initial Impressions After 45 DaysTata’s premium hatchback brings a lot to the table, but some rough edges are still apparent.4 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 9, 2026Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough PerformanceThe Renault Duster's TCe100 engine is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol that makes 99 bhp and 166 Nm of peak torque. And it only comes with a 6-speed manual.6 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 8, 20262026 Tata Tiago EV Review: Small EV Gets Big ImprovementsThe 2026 Tata Tiago EV promises a sharper design, segment-first features at sub-Rs. 10 lakh price point, and better real-world range. But does it deliver?1 min read