Mahindra NuvoSport Launched in India

Mahindra NuvoSport, the utility vehicle maker's latest SUV, was launched today at 7.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane). Alternatively known as the Quanto facelift, Mahindra's latest sub-compact SUV comes forth as a completely new car. Unlike its predecessor, NuvoSport shares its platform with Mahindra Scorpio. It also comes loaded with a wide array of changes and upgrades, including a refreshed design and new features.

While Nuvo Sport's silhouette remains similar to Mahindra Quanto, it gets a completely refurbished, and muscular, front fascia that seems far less inspired by the Mahindra Xylo. The redesigned bumper looks brawny too and gets a faux skid plate, angular head-lamps, LED DRLs, and a chunky black grille. Muscular character lines and a functional scoop work to add drama.

Mahindra NuvoSport Side Profile

The sides remain largely the same save for the revised ORVMs, black side cladding and new alloy wheels. The blackened D-pillars come with integrated vertical tail lamps, whereas the externally mounted spare wheel is retained but gets a new cover. The SUV has also grown taller by 10mm, improving cabin space.


Talking about power, the new Mahindra NuvoSport uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder mHawk diesel mill tuned to produce 100bhp of power at 3750rpm and a peak torque of 240Nm between 1600-2800rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and also comes with the optional 5-speed AMT unit. Like the KUV100, Mahindra has equipped the Nuvo Sport with Power and Eco modes, with the latter getting the power output dropped to 71.6bhp at 3250rpm and 180Nm of torque between 1600-2100rpm. The SUV returns an ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 17.45Km/l.

Mahindra NuvoSport mHawk100 Engine

While the styling remains the same, the Mahindra NuvoSport is equipped with a host of interesting new tech including a touchscreen infotainment system, Kenwood music system, navigation, steering-mounted controls, cruise control, reverse parking camera, Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity and 60:40 split rear seats that can be reclined. The SUV is available as a 7-seater but will be offered in a 5-seater configuration as well. Safety tech includes dual airbags and ABS as options on the base variants. However, Mahindra says the SUV has already been crash tested in Europe and meets the proposed Indian safety norms that will be applicable in 2017.

Mahindra NuvoSport Dashboard

Clearly, the Mahindra NuvoSport is a quantum leap over its predecessor and offers a lot more in terms of design and equipment. The sub-compact SUV's chief rivals segment though has grown tremendously in the past years with several capable offerings to compete with Mahindra's latest, including the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra's own TUV300.

Mahindra NuvoSport Prices (ex-Showroom Thane)
N4	7.35 Lakh
N4+	7.65 Lakh
N6	8.36 Lakh
N6+	9.0 Lakh
N8	9.12 Lakh
N8+	9.76 Lakh

Mahindra NuvoSport Colour Options

Molten Red

Rust Orange

Diamond White

Regal Blue

Mist Silver

Fiery Black

Technical Specifications
Engine	1.5-litre mHawk diesel
Max Power	100bhp at 3750rpm (Power Mode) 71.6bhp at 3250rpm (Eco Mode)
Max Torque	240Nm at 1600-2800rpm (Power Mode) 180Nm at 1600-2100rpm (Eco Mode)
Transmissions	5-speed Manual, 5-speed AMT

Mahindra NuvoSport Launched in India; Prices Start at Rs. 7.35 Lakh

Mahindra launched the

NuvoSport

on Monday, with prices starting at Rs 7.35 lakh for the base N4 variant, going all the way up to Rs 9.76 lakh for the top of the line N8 with a 5-speed AMT. The NuvoSport effectively is the SUV manufacturer's third offering in the sub 4-metre category, alongside the smaller

KUV100

and more muscular

TUV300

.

The NuvoSport replaces the not-so-successful Quanto, and Mahindra is hoping the new NuvoSport will be successful, especially with its more appealing design, new engine, chassis and suspension.

The

NuvoSport

is better to look at than the Quanto, especially from the front which has a distinctive SUV-like stance unlike the Quanto that looked way too similar to the Xylo to appeal to those wanting a compact SUV. Head on, it looks more modern and sporty, especially with the unique design of the LED DRLs that sit independently above the headlights and also the wide, vertical slatted grille and air scoop on the hood.

The sides are not as impressive while the rear is more or less identical to the Quanto with the same curvy design and the tail lights and spare wheel cover being same.

Photo courtesy: mahindranuvosport.com

Under the hood is Mahindra's new three-cylinder diesel engine dubbed the mHAWK 100. It is the same as the TUV300's engine but makes 100PS in this guise as opposed to 80PS in the TUV300. Torque rating is 240Nm which Mahindra claims is best in class. The higher N6 and N8 come with the choice of either the same 5-speed manual gearbox as the N4 or a 5-speed AMT, to enhance its positioning as an urban SUV.

A petrol engine equipped version of the NuvoSport will be launched in the near future.

The NuvoSport sits on Mahindra's third generation chassis, the same as the new Scorpio, which should endow the NuvoSport with far better ride and handling characteristics than the Quanto.

With a claimed efficiency of 17.45kmpl, the Mahindra is claiming the NuvoSport can do a Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai trip on a single tank of diesel given its capacity of 60 litres.

Photo courtesy: mahindranuvosport.com

The NuvoSport will be on offer in three variants primarily, the N4, N6 and N8. The N4 gets dual airbags and ABS with EBD as an option while the N6 and N8 get the same as standard.