Mahindra South Africa is set to change the appearance of inner-city traffic with the launch of the affordable and spacious Mahindra KUV100 NXT K2+ #XPREZ panel van.

The #XPREZ is available from R174 999 and is based on a Mahindra KUV100 NXT K2+, which means that it also shares the best-in-class low maintenance and repair costs, as validated in the annual AA Kinsey Report.

The new #XPREZ is converted at Mahindra’s Special Fitment Centre in Gauteng to panel van specifications. The 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.

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).

“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,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

“We 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.”

In its standard form, the #XPREZ can load 350 kg of packages, with best in class access to the cargo through the side doors and very wide rear hatch door. Indeed, the #XPREZ’s load bay can swallow 1 350 litres of cargo, making it possible to transport odd-shaped objects and standard delivery boxes alike.

In keeping with best practice, the side and rear windows are blocked out to discourage any prying eyes, with additional metal barriers fitted to the inside of these windows.

As the #XPREZ shares the genes of the K2+, it features comfort features such as power steering and air conditioning as standard. To this, Mahindra has added a radio and central locking to the #XPREZ, creating a comfortable and convenient vehicle for all-day drivers.

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT made headlines in 2019 and again in 2020, after it was chosen as the most affordable compact SUV to maintain and repair in South Africa. The diesel KUV added another accolade to its mantlepiece later that year when it was proven to be the most frugal vehicle in its class in the WesBank Fuel Economy Tour.

The #XPREZ is fitted with Mahindra’s popular 1.2-litre mFalcon petrol engine. The engine delivers 61 kW and 115 Nm and has a rated fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100 km in a combined cycle.

“The KUV100 NXT has proven to be the ideal vehicle for our new, locally developed #XPREZ. Its SUV design and 170 mm ground clearance mean that it can comfortably transport a large volume of packages, while not being restricted to any type of road condition,” says Rajesh.

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