By Amanda Mfuphi

Small business owners will be happy with Mahindra’s latest offering, namely the KUV #XPREZ panel van. Based on the KUV 100 NXT K2+ hatchback, it offers 1,350 litre of luggage space and a 350 kg load capacity at an affordable price of R174,999.

Exterior

The Mahindra #PREZ has an SUV design and comes at 170 mm of ground clearance. The #XPREZ is converted at Mahindra’s Special Fitment Centre in Gauteng to panel van specifications. This conversion process includes the addition of a flat and highly durable load area in the place of a rear bench seat and two cargo nets as standard. The side and rear windows are blocked out to prevent onlookers from seeing what is being transported on the panel van, with additional metal barriers fitted to the inside of these windows.

Interior

Inside, the #XPREZ is fairly spacious and can load 350 kg of packages, with best in class access to the cargo through the side doors and very wide rear hatch door. The #XPREZ’s load bay can take up 1,350 litres of cargo, making it possible to transport odd-shaped objects and standard delivery boxes alike. Mahindra also adds a safety barrier from laser-cut steel mesh between the load area and the two front occupants and a fire extinguisher as standard. The #XPREZ further retains the KUV100’s safety features, which include dual front airbags and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The #XPREZ also comes standard with features such as power steering, air conditioning, a radio and central locking which creates a comfortable and convenient vehicle for all-day drivers.

Engine and Power

The #XPREZ is fitted with Mahindra’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine delivers 61 kW of power and 115 Nm of torque, and has a rated fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100km in a combined cycle.

Purpose

Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa indicates that the vehicle is geared towards small business owners and general delivery services. Rajesh indicates that “in recent years, we have seen a rapid growth in online retailing and general delivery services. This has only accelerated during the lockdown, as we have become more comfortable with our new online lives and the option of ordering in.” He further indicates that as a brand they “have also seen many people start small businesses and side-hustles to replace or supplement their pre-COVID careers, with many of these entrepreneurs looking for a reliable, affordable and spacious delivery vehicle.”

Availability

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT #XPREZ is available immediately from Mahindra dealers across Southern Africa at R174,999.