As everyone preps for BSVI emission norms being mandated by April 1, 2020, more and more BSVI compliant vehicles are being launched. To ensure transition is smooth, vehicles are being launched well within time. In that spirit, the 2020 Mahindra KUV100 BS6 petrol variant has been spied doing road runs by automotive enthusiast Arjun.
The on test vehicle indicates a launch that’s not too distant. Mahindra had previously made it known that it will not upgrade its existing 1.2 litre diesel engine that powers the current gen KUV100 to BSVI norms. Only the petrol BS6 1.2 liter engine will be upgraded, which is now seen on test.
Back in June the company had outlined its readiness to deliver BS6 compliant petrol and diesel vehicles in 3-4 months, or by end Q2FY20. 2020 Mahindra KUV100 BSVI petrol variant is part of that outline.
Mahindra’s BSVI compliant petrol engine range spans a G15TGDI (1.5 litre), G12TGDI (turbocharged 1.2 litre unit), G12TCMPFI (3-cyl turbocharged 1.2 litre seen in XUV300) and G06 (625cc petrol/CNG for LCVs). The new range of BSVI petrol engines will power 8 Mahindra vehicle platforms. In addition to this, the company will update all their diesel engines 1.5 liter and above to meet BS6 norms.
Speaking about the 1.2 liter petrol BS6 engine, it will power the KUV100 as well as the XUV300 petrol variants. Power output of both cars will be different. The current BS4 1.2 liter on KUV100 delivers 82 hp and 115 Nm while the 1.2 liter on board XUV300 BS4 delivers 110 hp and 200 Nm. BS6 output will be more or less similar figures.
Mahindra KUV100 BSVI petrol will help the company launch a affordable car. It will be the cheapest Mahindra BS6 car on sale. Though KUV100 was launched long time ago, it did not enjoy sales success. But recently, Maruti launched a similar package, and it has seen sales soar to 10k units a month. KUV100 sales last month was just 183 units. With the new KUV100 BS6, Mahindra will be hoping on adding sales and taking on Maruti S Presso, which is sold with 1 liter petrol BS6 engine.
Mahindra has shown its proclivity to launch the BSVI petrol vehicle as soon as its ready. And that time is now. BSVI diesel vehicles are likely to be made available in tandem. Apart from the KUV100 BS6, Mahindra is also testing new gen XUV400, XUV500, Scorpio, Thar and Bolero in India. All have been already spied on road test. Launch is expected in H1 2020.
