Mahindra KUV100 Diesel K2 Plus

The Mahindra KUV100 Diesel K2 Plus is a compact vehicle that combines the aesthetics of an SUV with the practicality of a hatchback. It is powered by a 1.2-litre diesel engine (D75) that produces 78PS and 190Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 5-speed manual gearbox. The K2 Plus variant, while being one of the more basic models, still comes with essential features like ABS with EBD, a height-adjustable drivers seat, and power windows. The interior is spacious, with generous headroom and legroom, and includes a unique front middle seat that adds to the seating capacity, although it is not recommended for regular use due to safety concerns. The vehicle also features a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, and a cooled glovebox, making it a well-equipped option in its segment. Despite some drawbacks in build quality and highway performance, the KUV100 NXT remains a practical and feature-rich choice for urban driving.

The Mahindra KUV100 Diesel K2 Plus is a unique offering in the Indian market, blending the appeal of an SUV with the practicality of a hatchback. While it excels in city-friendly driving, with smooth gearshifts and a compliant urban ride, it falls short on the highway where handling, NVH, and braking performance are subpar. The interior space is generous, and the feature list is impressive, including ABS with EBD, power and eco modes, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the front middle seat is cramped and unsafe, and the overall build quality, though acceptable at this price point, is not on par with competitors like Hyundai. Despite its quirks, the KUV100 NXT is a more modern and feature-loaded package than its predecessor, making it a viable option for those seeking a budget-friendly, city-centric vehicle.

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced the discontinuation of the diesel version of the KUV100, including the Diesel K2 Plus, due to the upcoming Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) regulations. The petrol and electric versions will continue to be available. This move is part of Mahindras plan to overhaul its powertrain portfolio. I believe this decision will impact the vehicles appeal to those who prefer diesel engines, but it aligns with the industrys shift towards cleaner technologies.

Mahindra confirmed that the KUV100, including the K2 Plus, would get an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) version by the first half of 2018. This addition was expected to enhance the vehicles appeal, especially in urban driving conditions. I think the AMT option would have made the KUV100 more attractive to city drivers, but it seems this plan did not materialize.

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT, which includes the K2 Plus variant, was launched with improved styling, more features, and better safety offerings. The NXT version features minor cosmetic changes and additional features like daytime running lights and front and rear fog lights. I think these updates make the KUV100 more competitive in the market, especially with its enhanced safety features.

The Mahindra KUV100, including the K2 Plus, has been popular in India, with over 50,000 units sold. The vehicles unique design and features like ABS as standard and dual front airbags have contributed to its success. However, the waiting period for the car has been up to three months due to high demand. I believe the KUV100s popularity is a testament to Mahindras ability to cater to the Indian markets needs.

The Mahindra KUV100 K2 Plus was launched in India at a price range of Rs. 4.45 - 6.84 lakhs (ex-Delhi). The vehicle was praised for its city-friendly engines, good interior space, and compliant urban ride quality. However, it faced criticism for its overdone styling and poor handling at higher speeds. I believe the KUV100s strengths in city driving made it a viable option for many buyers despite its drawbacks.

The Mahindra KUV100 Diesel K2 Plus, although discontinued, was priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for this variant was around Rs. 5.71 lakhs. On-road prices, which include additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other taxes, would have been approximately Rs. 6.5 to 7 lakhs, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing positioned the KUV100 as an attractive option for buyers looking for a budget-friendly vehicle with SUV-like features. However, its important to note that since the model is discontinued, buyers would need to consider purchasing a used or pre-owned KUV100.

The Mahindra KUV100 Diesel K2 Plus offers impressive fuel efficiency, which is a significant factor for many Indian buyers. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 25.32 kmpl, this variant is one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class. This mileage, combined with the micro-hybrid technology and ecopower drive modes, makes the KUV100 a cost-effective choice for urban driving, helping to keep running costs low.