Here at CAR magazine, we take every new vehicle we feature to our test strip to gather data for our in-depth road tests. Sometimes, we see some pretty underwhelming results. Below we have listed the worst 0-100 km/h times we’ve collected over the past 12 months. Yes, these are the slowest-accelerating cars from the pool of 75 vehicles we tested in 2019…
5. Mahindra XUV500 2,2 CRDe W10 auto – 12,93 seconds
Despite being a fairly new vehicle, the XUV500 uses some old technology under the bonnet in the form of a 2,2-litre turbodiesel and a six-speed automatic transmission. That said, the mHawk powerplant is a decent match for the XUV and the gearbox, bar some indecisive cog-swapping under hard throttle inputs or uphill, is smooth enough for sedate daily driving.
4. Kia Sportage 1,6 GDI Ignite auto – 13,14 seconds
Employing a naturally aspirated engine in an SUV has its drawbacks, one of which is potentially the 0-100 km/h time. While the Sportage package remains as impressive as ever overall, it’s the decision to use the brand’s ageing 1,6-litre Gamma engine that may prove a more difficult sell.
3. Datsun Go 1,2 Lux – 13,98 seconds
While the Go’s naturally aspirated 1,2-litre, three-cylinder engine remains relatively lumpy at idle, its eager workings are no longer as intrusive as before. Thanks to its free-revving and feisty nature – and despite the weight gain – we managed to better the 0-100 km/h sprint time of the previous test unit (December 2014) by some 0,71 seconds. Still, it’s not exactly quick…
2. Nissan NP300 Hardbody 2,5 TDI Hi-Rider 4×4 – 14,69 seconds
In many ways, the Nissan NP300 Hardbody shows its age, including under the bonnet. The 98 kW 2,5-litre turbodiesel engine which, together with a six-speed manual gearbox, meant it could achieve a best 0-100 km/h time of 14,69 seconds.
1. Mahindra KUV100 NXT G80 K8 – 14,91 seconds
The KUV100’s mFalcon G80 petrol engine, which came in for criticism when we first tested Mahindra’s tiny crossover, produces 61 kW and 115 N.m of torque. The 1,2-litre three-pot feels rough at idle and its performance is not particularly spirited, which can make reaching the national speed limit feel like a bit of an accomplishment.
See Full Mahindra KUV100 Nxt price and specs here
See Full Mahindra XUV500 price and specs here
See Full Datsun Go price and specs here
See Full Kia Sportage price and specs here