
Mahindra’s KUV100, XUV500 and XUV300
Mahindra has released a series of impressive cars in recent times bolstering their line-up in South Africa. What they offer now includes the Mahindra KUV100 and Mahindra XUV500 while the newer XUV300 is expected to perform as well as it has in India.
According to a Naamsa report, Mahindra is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa where they sold 260 passenger cars and 180 light commercial vehicles last December. January this year saw even higher numbers as the Indian automaker sold 294 passenger cars and 350 LCVs.
Mahindra Shows Year-On-Year Growth With New Vehicles
May 2018 saw the opening of the first Mahindra assembly plant in South Africa and has since started offering locally assembled Pik Up cars to dealers throughout the country. Mahindra has launched several new models over the last six months and started rolling them out from the new local factory based in Durban.
Last October, they launched the new Mahindra KUV100 NXT along with their XUV500 flagship. They also confirmed a year-on-year sales growth of 30% which is simply astonishing. November saw the launch of a new S6 variant called the limited “Karoo” Edition of its popular Pik Up Double Cab. This particular model was launched to celebrate their impressive success thus far.
This year saw the new Mahindra XUV300 launched in India where they conducted a brand re-positioning campaign ahead of the launch with the introduction of the Mahindra S10 Karoo Edition.
As stated by Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa: “The Mahindra Pik Up S10 Karoo Edition is an encore to the special S6 Karoo Edition, which was launched in December last year and which sold out very quickly. With the higher S10 specification level, this model is sure to sell out as fast.”
Comparing The Mahindra KUV100 NXT
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT offers sufficient boot space of 243 litres along with extra under-seat and underfloor storage for added convenience. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.2-litre mFalcon G80 MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) with dual variable timing. It produces 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque which is pretty good for a car that only weighs around 1 100 kg. The diesel derivative is just as impressive with a turbocharged low-end torque engine producing 57 kW and 190 Nm. It has a Power mode setting for sporty performance or ECO for improved fuel efficiency.
This 5-seater redefines urban mobility with SUV-type styling while the robust monocoque construction of the chassis also means superior handling and overall durability. In terms of fuel consumption based on urban and extra-urban driving, it averages 5.9l/100km.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is ideal for first-time car buyers and those looking for premium hatchbacks while competing with the likes of Ford’s EcoSport. This compact SUV is ideal for urbanites whizzing through busy city centres, running errands or the occasional weekend away. The affordability factor plays a huge role in this segment as the KUV100 NXT compact SUV starts at only R142,999*.

Mahindra’s KUV100 NXT
How Does It Compare To The Mahindra XUV500?
The Mahindra XUV500 is essentially a facelifted version of the Mahindra KUV100 NXT with a few simple but highly effective upgrades. Overall, they are both suited for family use but the XUV500 is a 7-seater with more head and legroom, sufficient storage for luggage, groceries or adventure gear for a long weekend away. With the additional seats at the back, boot space is limited but fold them down and you have ample space for whatever you need to store.
Under the bonnet, the Mahindra XUV500 is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk turbodiesel engine that delivers 103 kW and 330 Nm of torque pushing power through a 6-speed automatic transmission. They claim fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km which is good for a vehicle of this size.
The XUV500 is classed as a lifestyle car which will appeal mostly to city dwellers who like driving a bigger vehicle with advanced features. This 7-seater SUV is ideally suited for people looking for styling, performance and incredible value for money with a budget starting at R299,999*.

Mahindra’s XUV500
What About The Mahindra XUV300?
The Mahindra XUV300 compact crossover is a tech-savvy challenger to the established Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur. More car buyers are looking beyond the regular hatchbacks and sedans for a more versatile and stylish offering with top-end features and affordable pricing. They aimed the XUV300 at 25 to 49-year-old urbanites thanks to impressive specifications and very attractive pricing incentives. Pricing starts at R249,999*.
All four derivatives are exclusively front-wheel drive with a ground clearance of 180mm making it suitable for driving on most road surfaces and gravel roads. The compact Mahindra XUV300 is available in a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 81 kW and 200 Nm or a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 85.8 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission with a good economy rate of 6.4l/100km.
The new platform has introduced a fresh look and feel in comfort and handling that competes fairly well with their much more expensive rivals. It is by far the most advanced Mahindra to date and showcases the true capabilities of the Indian manufacturer building better cars. The Mahindra XUV300 also earns the reputation of being the first compact SUV to offer 7 airbags.

Mahindra’s XUV300
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* Prices accurate as of 17 October 2019.