The name Mahindra & Mahindra has become synonymous with SUVs in India. Over the last few years, the Indian carmaker has been shifting gears aggressively, rolling out quality products for the Indian road. Since September last year, Mahindra has launched the Marazzo, Alturas G4 and XUV300 in quick succession. While we have already talked about the Marazzo and Alturas G4 in our previous issues, this month we want to take you for a ride in the all new Mahindra XUV300.

Design and Engineering:

It is no secret that the XUV300 is based on the SsangYong Tivoli’s X100 architecture. Mahindra has re-engineered the Tivoli to create the XUV300 with a host of India-specific changes, one among which is reducing the overall length from 4,195 mm to 3,995 mm to enjoy tax relief granted for sub-four metre vehicles in India.

The Mahindra XUV300 looks both contemporary and stylish. The XUV300 features Mahindra’s signature front grille that lends it a distinct identity. The LED DRLs extend from the headlamps to the fog lamps, giving the XUV300 a visual appeal. The bold and flaming red LED tail lamps add a dash of style at the rear, while LED turn indicators on the ORVMs look very contemporary.

The floating roof design of the XUV300 adds to its sporty character. The 17-inch (W8 variant) diamond cut alloys give the XUV300 a bold road presence while the sturdy side cladding along with the dual tone roof rails enhance its SUV character.

Interior and Comfort

The Mahindra XUV300 features a spacious passenger cabin, thanks to its 2,600 mm wheelbase. The front seats are well bolstered, offering good lumbar support along with a high driving position that results in a commanding view of the road ahead. The second row is spacious enough to accommodate three adults; helping this cause is the flat floor board which converts into more leg space for the second row occupants.

The black and light beige colour theme with tasteful silver accents enhances the premium look of the cabin. The XUV300 comes with good quality leatherette seats which add a touch of class to the cabin. The factory-fitted music system seemed pretty nice and with a speaker mounted on each of its four doors, the XUV300 gives you an all-round acoustic experience. The dual zone automatic air conditioning is truly amazing, cooling the passenger cabin in a matter of minutes even in this sweltering May heat in Kolkata. With the Mahindra Blue Sense App, you can link your smart phone or smart watch to the infotainment system of the XUV300 and take wireless control of the temperature, audio controls and many other features.

The XUV300 also comes with a push start/stop button and steering mounted audio controls. The micro-hybrid technology automatically turns off the engine while idling, thereby saving fuel. It also reduces emission. The 60:40 split seats allow for a flexible boot-space making room for more luggage when the need arises. The XUV300 also has several stowage compartments you can use to tuck away your water bottles, sunglasses, smartphones and other knick-knacks you need on the go.

Performance and Handling

Globally, the SsangYong Tivoli is available with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. In India, however, the XUV300 gets a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, both of which are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor produces 112 PS of maximum power and 200 Nm of torque, whereas the 1.5-litre diesel powertrain churns out 117 PS of power and 300 Nm of peak torque. We tested the 1.2-litre turbo petrol which turned out to be adequately powerful for city commute; however, it takes a wee bit longer to respond to throttle inputs.

Mahindra XUV300’s suspension gets you a longer travel for better cushioning over Indian road conditions, and its ride height has also been increased to achieve a higher ground clearance (now at 180 mm) to avoid kissing the nasty speed breakers. The XUV300 offers a surprisingly plush ride quality, which is impressive for a car in this class, and it quietly irons out bad roads, with minimal body jerks and vibrations filtering into the passenger cabin.

The XUV300 also gets a segment-first variable steering system with three modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. While the steering is light and easy to twirl in Normal mode, it gets even lighter in Comfort mode, which makes it effortless while parking or maneuvering around in heavy traffic. Once you shift into Sports mode, the steering gradually weighs up giving feedback.

Verdict

One has to admit that the XUV300 is one of the best products from Mahindra’s stable in recent times. It is an all-round product that offers the right mix of stylish looks, spacious interiors, plush ride quality, impressive handling and segment-leading safety features. With an ever-growing demand for compact-SUVs and backed by Mahindra’s assured after sales service network, this car could well be a huge success story for the Indian auto major. 

Competition Check:

Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon

 

Technical Specifications:

Engine Capacity - 1197 cc (petrol); 1497 cc (diesel)

Transmission - 6-speed manual

Power - 112 PS (petrol); 117 PS (diesel)

Torque - 200 Nm (petrol); 300 Nm (diesel)

Dimensions - 3995 mm (length), 1821 mm (width), 1627 mm (height), 2600 mm (wheelbase)

Fuel tank - 42 litre

 

Ex-Showroom Prices:

W4 –Rs7,90,000 (petrol); Rs8,49,000 (diesel)

W6 –Rs8,75,000 (petrol); Rs9,30,000 (diesel)

W8 –Rs10,25,000 (petrol); Rs10,80,000 (diesel)

W8 (Optional Pack) –Rs11,49,000 (petrol); Rs11,99,000 (diesel)

Dual-tone Red Rage and Dual-tone Aquamarine available on W8 (optional pack) at an additional            Rs15,000