Mahindra KUV100 NXT Loses Diesel Variant, BSVI Petrol Model Launched

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd have silently launched the BS6 KUV100 NXT. The carmaker has launched the updated model at a starting price of Rs 5.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The price range goes all the way up to Rs 7.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Earlier, the BS4 KUV100 NXT was offered in 18 distinctive configurations. Now, the updated model is only available in 4 configurations. The carmaker has discontinued the oil-burner along with the 5-seat layout option. Mahindra has stopped offering the K2 and K8 two-tone trims of the hatchback as well.

The previous model was only offered in 18 different configurations

The updated Mahindra KUV100 NXT is now offered in four different trim levels, namely- K2+, K4+, K6+ and K8. Customers can now opt for 6-seater or an 8-seater variant. Mechanically, the car now derives power from a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre mFalcon G80 naturally-aspirated three-pot petrol mill that produces 85bhp of peak power at 5,500 rpm and 115 Nm of twisting force at 3,500-3,600 rpm. Transmission duties will be performed by a 5-speed manual gearbox. The hatchback competes with the likes of Maruti Swift, Ignis and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. 

Previously, Mahindra was also offering a 1.2-litre mFalcon D75 three-cylinder oil-burner with this car. It used to put out 77bhp of power at 3,750 rpm and 190 Nm of peak torque at 1,750-2,250 rpm. The power was transmitted to front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, the carmaker had to discontinue the diesel model because of the strict BS6 emission norms.

The updated hatchback is priced between Rs 5.50 lakh to Rs 7.11 lakh

Several manufacturers have decided to do away with their low-capacity diesel offering due to dwindling demand for diesel cars in the low segment, along with the huge investments required to upgrade these motors to the new emission compliance. Maruti Suzuki, for example, has done with its entire diesel lineup, while Hyundai continues to offer all its diesel offerings. Mahindra enjoys a huge demand for diesel variants of all its offerings. In fact, its model lineup primarily comprises oil burner-equipped models. However, it's clear that the low demand for the KUV100 has kept the carmaker from upgrading its diesel engine to BSVI compiance.