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 4x4 – 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.

Original article from Car