Mahindra has tried their hand at the sub 4-metre compact SUV segment in the past. Their attempts include the Quanto, NuvoSport and the TUV300. Out of these, it was the TUV300 that demonstrated their potential with decent interiors and a higher level of refinement which has also led to it doing decent numbers since its launch. Having said that, the Mahindra TUV300 wasn’t what you would call prime competition to vehicles such as the Vitara Brezza and EcoSport. It was more rugged and came with old-school SUV genes that to some extent might have deterred a lot of potential customers. All that is set to end with the launch of the new Mahindra XUV300, for Mahindra finally has a product in its arsenal that can seriously give the Brezza and EcoSport a run for their money.
To ensure that they got off to the right start, Mahindra looked at the SsangYong portfolio once again and have chosen the same platform that the Tivoli is built on to underpin the XUV300. However, that is where the similarity between the two products end. Instead of going with just a badge-engineered product, Mahindra has taken the liberty to infuse their cheetah inspired design language on this smaller platform and built a vehicle that conforms to the ethos of the ‘XUV’ badge.
The end result is a striking looking machine that has a wide and sporty stance and boasts of a premium appeal. The front end is reminiscent of the larger XUV500, especially that cheetah styled teardrop from the headlights down to the fog lamps and the subtle grille. The XUV300 carries a chiselled look and the contour lines add to its flair, however it is the rear that really deserves a ton of merit. The styling is spot on and those taillights look absolutely stunning – even in the day. Completing the package is the floating roof, rear spoiler and fancy looking 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/55 R17 rubber. Mahindra has kept the chrome and plastic exterior bits to a minimum and that has really played a big role in giving this compact SUV a very premium look and feel and you can easily picture it turning heads in international markets as well.
The cabin boasts of a class that you would associate with vehicles from a segment or two higher. Yes, this isn’t just a great cabin for a Mahindra, it is a great cabin for any car! The fit and finish is impeccable. The two tone dash, leatherette seats, large touchscreen infotainment system, leather wrapped gear lever and steering wheel and fancy piano black finish on the doors do their bit to make you feel like you are seated in a luxury car.
Add to that, the space on board is very decent, even for tall passengers at the rear and you get a boot that can easily pack in enough for a family on a road trip. Other creature comforts include, a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the ability to control it via your smart watch, steering mounted controls, a sunroof, keyless entry, start/stop, dual zone climate control, and smart storage features like a glove box that can fit a laptop inside and a front centre armrest that has space to slide an iPad in.
Mahindra is offering the XUV300 with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol unit is a 1.2 litre engine that delivers 110 bhp and 200 Nm of torque and is touted to be relatively frugal as well. Having said that, what I got my hands on at the drive was the top of the line XUV300 fitted with the 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that is similar to the one that does duty in the Marazzo, however has been tweaked for use in the XUV300. This engine delivers 115 bhp @3750 rpm and a solid 300 Nm of torque between 1500-2500 rpm. We are talking about a rather flat torque curve and a serious amount of power in the lower rpms that allows you to surge ahead.
The engine boasts of a high level of refinement and low NVH levels and it literally takes minutes to fall in love with the way it delivers all that power. Mated to a six speed manual transmission, the XUV300 is a ton of fun to drive and if you have seen the add with Gaurav Gill behind the wheel, let me tell you, that is no exaggeration – it truly feels and drives like a little sports car!
Thanks to its low side stance and the wheels placed in the far corners, the XUV300 boasts of brilliant handling dynamics as well. Despite being higher off the ground, you still feel confident to push it through corners. Adding to the driving dynamics, Mahindra has kitted the XUV300 out with an innovative ‘smart steering system’. This feature allows you to change between ‘comfort’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ settings which either make the steering feel like its weightless for ease of driving in the city, or firm up for that more engaging sporty drive. The ride quality is also commendable and I don’t see anyone complaining about that.
Mahindra has taken safety very seriously as well and the top of the line XUV300 gets 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, hill hold assist, height adjustable seatbelts and disc brakes on all four wheels. You also get front parking sensors, heated ORVMs and a rear parking camera with dynamic assist to make life easier in less than optimal driving conditions as well as negotiating tight spots.
It was quite a task to find any fault with the new Mahindra XUV300 as it is a product that leaves you impressed on all counts. What more would I have asked for? Well, for one, I would have liked A/C blowers for the rear bench and secondly I would have liked to see this debut with a neat 6 speed automatic as well. I am sure that both these features will eventually make their way to the XUV300 and they clearly aren’t deal breakers. This is a vehicle that will win you over and as long as Mahindra prices it right, I think the competition does have a lot to think about!
*The Mahindra XUV300 is expected to be priced in the INR 7.8-9.90 lakh range depending on the variant.