Why India Rejected Mahindra’s Voyager, XUV500 Facelift, and KUV100 – The Real Reasons
Why India Rejected Mahindra’s Voyager, XUV500 Facelift, and KUV100 – The Real Reasons
Image: Why India Rejected Mahindra’s Voyager, XUV500 Facelift, and KUV100 – The Real Reasons – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Bottom line: The Voyager, the XUV500 facelift, and the KUV100 didn’t sell because their designs felt dated, mileage lagged rivals, and pricing was out of step with what Indian buyers expect.
Design & Looks
Mahindra tried to give the Voyager a rugged SUV vibe, but the boxy silhouette looked more like a dated utility van than a modern family car. The XUV500 facelift added a new grille, yet the overall shape stayed too angular for today’s sleek trends. The KUV100, marketed as a compact SUV, borrowed too heavily from the older KUV100 concept, making it feel like a re‑hash rather than a fresh offering.
Performance & Mileage
All three models shared a common pain point: fuel efficiency. The Voyager’s 2.2 L diesel delivered around 15 km/l, while rivals like the Tata Harrier offered 17 km/l on paper. The XUV500 facelift’s updated engine still hovered near 14 km/l, leaving it behind the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The KUV100’s 1.2 L petrol struggled to reach 18 km/l, a figure many Indian city drivers consider a minimum.
Price & Rivals
Pricing amplified the problems. The Voyager launched at roughly INR 11 lakh, putting it in the same bracket as the more polished Tata Nexon, which boasted better interiors and higher resale value. The XUV500 facelift was priced around INR 13 lakh, while the Kia Seltos undercut it by a lakh and offered a richer tech suite. The KUV100’s entry price of INR 6.5 lakh seemed attractive, but buyers quickly compared it to the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, which delivered superior mileage and a more contemporary look for a similar cost.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Engine | Mileage (km/l) | Price (INR lakh) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Voyager | 2.2 L Diesel | 15 | 11 |
|
| Mahindra XUV500 Facelift | 2.0 L Turbo Diesel | 14 | 13 |
|
| Mahindra KUV100 | 1.2 L Petrol | 18 | 6.5 |
|
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the Mahindra Voyager? Around 15 km per litre for the 2.2 L diesel engine.
- Is the Mahindra XUV500 facelift worth buying? It offers a fresh look but falls short on fuel efficiency and price compared to newer rivals.
- Why did the Mahindra KUV100 fail to attract buyers? Its design felt outdated and its mileage, while decent, couldn’t compete with more refined compact SUVs at a similar price.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Read Official News
