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.
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.
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.