Mahindra is actively testing the AMT variant of the KUV100 Nxt compact SUV. The test mule was spied close to the Mahindra plant at Kandivali in Mumbai and surprisingly sported very minimal camouflage drawing attention to some interior updates.
When Mahindra introduced to KUV100 in 2016, it was the lack of AMT that disappointed buyers who eagerly sought an automatic transmission option in the compact SUV. It is in response to these demands that the new AMT variant is being readied.
The demand for automatic cars is increasing in the Indian market and several automakers are adding this variant while also noting increased sales where auto variants are concerned as compared to manual versions. Rival Maruti Ignis is already offered with AMT and now Mahindra KUV100 Nxt enters this space.
Mahindra KUV100 AMT sported a white camouflage. Its interiors were noted with a gear lever placed on the dash and the automatic transmission is clearly visible which is similar to that seen on the TUV300.
AMT will be offered on both the 1.2 liter petrol and diesel engine options. These engines are from the mFalcon family. The G80 petrol offers 82 bhp power and 115 Nm torque while the mFalcon D75 belts out 77 bhp power and 190 Nm torque.
The new KUV100 AMT on test also appeared in a 6 seater configuration with front central arm rests. Apart from a few interior changes and the inclusion of AMT, there were no other exterior changes noted. Expect price to be in the range of Rs 7-8 lakhs for the top end AMT KUV100 variant.
Along with the AMT variant, Mahindra is also working on an electric version of the KUV100 Nxt which will be launched sometime in 2019, which will come in with an all new powertrain. Electric KUV100 was showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year.