The Mahindra KUV100 NXT – why not?

There are probably a few reasons why you’d welcome the Mahindra KUV100 NXT – a six-seater hatchback – to your family’s garage.

Tumi Riba, Herald journalist recently took it for a spin compliments of the Ben Morgenrood Auto Group in Randfontein.

Firstly, it felt as if I was behind the wheel of an entry-level sport utility vehicle (SUV) and I must say, this was quite a pleasant surprise.

“The reason is because as small as it looks, the car has been nicely elevated off the ground compared to its rivals, and I believe this is one aspect that could serve as a good selling point! I think part of the reason the manufacturer did this was so that those with a tight budget could get a chance to go off-road without paying an arm and a leg.

“I mean, you don’t need a Jeep or Amarok to do this anymore, this Mahindra can make it all possible (in moderation of course). The space makes for a few things you may not like about the car, like the fact the cluster looks and feels plastic.

While I can’t go as far as saying this could be the Car of the Year, it definitively is a decent modern one; equipped with power steering, ABS (anti-lock braking system), corner-braking control, and it’s a 1.2 litre petrol.

“I’m just not sure about its fuel efficiency because you get for 100km on 6.2 litres – this means that for every 1 litre you get 16km. For me that really is a bit much, especially considering the state of the economy right now.

Anyway, if you ever decide to buy the car, just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the configuration of a few things in the cabin.

The gear lever and handbrake are not where you usually would find them. I’ll give you a clue… think of the Toyota Quantum and you have a clear picture of what I’m talking about.

The prices are as follows:

• KUV 100 NXT K2 mFalcon Petrol 1.2 (R154 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K2 mFalcon Petrol 1.2 Panel Van (R181 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K2 mFalcon Petrol 1.2 #Dare (R166 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K6 mFalcon Petrol 1.2 (R194 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K6 + mFalcon Petrol 1.2 #Dare (R203 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K6 + mFalcon Diesel 1.2 (R227 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K8 + mFalcon Petrol 1.2 (R221 999)

• KUV 100 NXT K8 + mFalcon Diesel 1.2 (R247 999)