Motoroids has spotted an AMT-equipped test mule of the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. As per the report, the new variant of the micro-SUV was seen near the company's Kandivali facility in Mumbai. The exhaust note revealed that it was powered by a diesel engine.
At the launch of the facelift last October, Mahindra confirmed plans to offer an optional AMT on both petrol- and diesel-powered KUV100 NXT.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT AMT features a dashboard-mounted gear stalk. With regards to the design, the shifter looks similar to the one on the Mahindra TUV300 AMT. Unlike Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, which source the AMT from Magneti Marelli, M&M buys Automated Manual Transmissions from Ricardo.
The AMT unit on the Mahindra KUV100 NXT is likely to offer creep and economy modes. A hill hold function, however, is unlikely to be provided. While an exact launch timeline for the AMT variants isn't known at the moment, the new versions could be launched later this year or early next year.
The NXT was launched as the mid-cycle facelift for the KUV100 last October. The micro-SUV is on sale with two engines: 1.2-litre mFalcon G80 petrol and 1.2-litre mFalcon D75 diesel. The petrol motor outputs a maximum power of 82 bhp and a peak torque of 115 Nm. The oil-burner produces 77 bhp and 190 Nm. The introduction of the 5-speed AMT will be followed by the launch of a zero-emissions pure electric powertrain.
Also Read - Mahindra KUV100 now available at all Italian dealerships
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is available in a price range of INR 4.69 - 7.76 Lakh. The micro-SUV is available in 5-seat and 6-seat layouts. With an average monthly sales of 1,680 units*, the most affordable model in Mahindra's lineup lags behind its only direct competitor, the Maruti Ignis (average monthly sales of 4,000 units*), by a considerable margin. The launch of the AMT variants should help the micro-SUV find more buyers in the metros.
*March 2018 - August 2018
[Image source- motoroids.com]
