A brief history of Mahindra

Mahindra started as a steel trading business in 1945. The company saw an opportunity for growth in the automotive industry and established itself as the Willys Jeep manufacturer of India. This was followed by the production of light commercial vehicles and tractors. In its continued attempts to expand to foreign markets, Mahindra has purchased stakes in other automotive manufacturers. In 2011, Mahindra bought SsangYong Motors, a South Korean car brand. During this time, it also purchased the Reva electric car brand.

Mahindra acquired 51% of Peugeot Motorcycles in 2014 and then 100% of the company in 2019. In 2015, they also purchased 76% of Pininfarina S.p.A.,an Italian car design company famous for working with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo.

Today, Mahindra is a giant on the automotive scene. It is the 17th largest company on the India Fortune 500 list and has controlling stakes in several other brands.

Silver and white Mahindra XUV300 vehicles in a que at a car show.

Mahindra vehicles available in South Africa

The nine Mahindra models available in South Africa might share the capability to handle off-road terrain, but each model has a specific use and market. Models available in South Africa: XUV300 – Compact SUV KUV100 NXT – Crossover compact Bolera – Commercial single cab Pik Up SC – Commercial single cab Thar 4x4 – Utility TUV300 – SUV Scorpio S11 – SUV Pik Up DC – Commercial double cab XUV500 – SUV All models are available at any Mahindra dealership in South Africa. If you want to book a test drive, simply connect with the Mahindra dealership closest to you. The KUV100 NXT is by far the best-selling model of the Mahindra line-up in South Africa. According to NAAMSA vehicle sales reports, it’s the only Mahindra model shipping over 200 models per month. The rest of the range all sell below 100 models per month. Read more about the following Mahindra models: Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up

Side back view of a red Mahindra-KUV100-NXT

Mahindra KUV100 NXT specifications

The Mahindra KUV100 is a compact crossover SUV that serves as the beacon for the brand in terms of sales. Designed to be an urban cruiser and a weekend adventurer, the little run-about packs a lot in such a small chassis.

The exterior is a mixture of tough terrain bruiser with comfortable family cruiser. Plastic bumpers and guards surround a modern and sharp looking design, with LED lights flowing into a large grille. Roof rails are available and add a modern, urban feel to the vehicle. The raised ride height emphasises the off-roading ability.

In the interior, it gets a lot more luxurious. The spacious cabin is focused around the black facia which houses the multimedia infotainment system. The seven-inch touchscreen system syncs your phone to the car and creates an immersive digital entertainment experience.

Safety is a top priority, so the KUV100 is available with ABS, airbags, and a collapsible steering column, which ensures the steering wheel will fall away from the driver in the event of a car accident.

The entry-level Mahindra KUV100 comes standard with a 1.2 L engine boasting 115 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a five-speed manual gearbox with the option to engage eco mode, a feature that limits engine output and minimises fuel usage.

Note: Some specifications are only available on premium models. If you want the premium specs added to the model you're interested in, connect with your nearest Mahindra dealership.

The base model Mahindra KUV100 K2 petrol retails from R155,999.

Buying a Mahindra

Mahindra has over 20 dealerships across the northern region of South Africa, with the most located in and around Gauteng.

Mahindra South Africa offers its own in-house vehicle financing service. You can apply for finance online to buy a Mahindra KUV100 or any other Mahindra vehicle by simply visiting their local website.

Graduate finance is also available, with the company offering special vehicle finance support for registered students looking to get their first vehicle. You can apply for graduate finance online too.

Front side view of a red Mahindra Scopio Pik UP

Mahindra insurance

Mahindra is considered a lower risk vehicle for theft. According to Ctrack, a vehicle theft and recovery agency, Mahindra is among the least stolen SUV brands in South Africa.

This might be beneficial towards your car insurance premium, so keep this in mind when you're looking for car insurance for your Mahindra. To make sure you're getting the best deal on cover for your Mahindra, compare car insurance quotes online using the hippo.co.za car insurance comparison tool – it's quick, easy, and doesn't cost a thing to compare.

Mahindra warranty

Mahindra Service plans are available as an option for all vehicles offered by Mahindra South Africa. They have optional three-year/60,000 km and five-year/100,000 km service plans available, with additional optional top-up service plans.

All of their service plans come with the Mahindra promise that all services conducted by approved service agents will be done using genuine Mahindra parts. They also guarantee a price lock on oil services for three years following the service.