- 1st in A1 category: KUV100 NXT 1.2 Diesel
- 2nd in H1 category: XUV300 1.2 Petrol
- 3rd in B1 category: XUV300 1.5 Diesel
- 3rd overall Most Efficient Brand: Mahindra
At the Fuel Economy Tour, Mahindra finished in third place in the overall Most Efficient Brand category, where judges calculate an average fuel consumption figure for the three best-performing vehicles from each competitor. For Mahindra, the calculation averaged at 5.6163 litres/100 km for its KUV100 NXT and two versions of its XUV300.
One of the standout awards was the very competitive A1 class and here Mahindra rose to the challenge and took the top spot with the KUV100 NXT K6. With its 1.2 diesel engine, the KUV100 NXT used the least fuel in its class and it delivered an average fuel consumption figure of only 5.2249 liters per 100 km. This is a winning margin of 14% over its closest competitor.
This category win for the KUV100 NXT adds to the compact crossover’s impressive budget-saving credentials, which include first prize in the 2019 AA Kinsey Report. The report found that the KUV100 NXT was the most affordable vehicle to service and repair in its class and one of the most affordable vehicles in the country overall.
“The KUV100 NXT has once again proven that it is a true budget-friendly champion. From its affordable purchase price, its long list of standard features and safety equipment, its low daily running costs, and now its fuel consumption, it is the ideal car for South Africans on the hunt for a cost-effective compact crossover that is still loaded with features,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
The XUV300 W6 1.5 turbodiesel performed equally well in the Fuel Economy Tour. It was entered in the highly competitive B1 category for turbo diesel compact crossovers and it finished the 2 500 km test course with an average fuel consumption of 5.2030 liters/ 100 km. The XUV300 1.2T in luxury W8 specification completed the trio of fuel efficiency champions with a course average of only 6.4210 liters, taking the second spot in its class.
Mahindra gained the status as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing brands in 2019, despite a general slowdown in vehicle sales. This was helped in no small part by industry endorsements from reputed experts, such as Malcolm Kinsey, the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) and now the WesBank Fuel Economy Tour.
The company also celebrated the first year of operation of its assembly facility in Durban and inaugurated its new Special Fitment Centre in Gauteng, where models such as the newly introduced #DARE will be prepared.
This year, Mahindra has been independently recognized for the quality of its sales support, the affordability of parts and services and the general quality and durability of its products.
“We are very proud to be able to add low fuel consumption to that list, with the KUV100 NXT ranking first and the different XUV300 models ranking second and third respective in their categories. We are also delighted with our overall third place in the WesBank Fuel Economy Tour,” says Avinash Bapat, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
