<p>The term compact SUV is well adapted by Indian auto companies and there seems to be a new design irrespective of its ‘compactness’ limit that is being rolled out every now and then. The same is depicted by the home grown largest SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra with their latest compact SUV offering the KUV 100. It looks more like a compact hatchback with ground clearance on steroids but manages to offer quite a distinct look especially for young buyers. On the outside, this compact vehicle gets the typical Mahindra design treatment with deep creases on the bonnet and raised corners that makes way for an elongated yet sleek front grille. The XUV inspired ‘claw’ themed chrome highlights the Mahindra logo at the centre. What looks quite a stunner are the stretched headlight cluster that continues on to the side fenders with neatly deployed engine badging. The vertically mounted rectangular front fog lamps on the blackened bumper offer a rugged appeal which is further strengthened by the use of a small skid plate housing at the front. On the side is where things get a little overdone with unnecessary character lines and too much use of cladding. However, the pillar mounted rear door handle does look good on the KUV and even the stylish 14 inch alloy wheels with raised wheel arches does manage to lift its compact SUV tag. The KUV 100 looks at its best from the rear with some nice 3D style double barrel tail lights and the deep side creases that make for a set of eyebrows for the taillight cluster. The blackened rear bumper and reflectors complete its SUVish appeal.   However, the sheer compactness of the vehicle makes it look quite a cluttered one with very less space for designers to use there creative sketches. Sticking to modern day features, Mahindra has still planted some cool highlights such as daytime running lights, rear spoiler, roof rails, electrically adjustable ORVMs as well as follow me home headlamp unit on this urban compact SUV.   

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