After the successful launch of new-gen Scorpio, XUV500 and more recent offerings such as Marazzo and Alturas G4, Mahindra has ventured into the sub-4 meter SUV segment. With Mahindra XUV300, the utility king is targeting the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport. But does it have those game-changing SUV characteristics? Let’s find out in this quick review.
Styling
Based on SsangYong Tivoli, the XUV300 is striking to look at with the projector headlamps, DRLs and chrome-laden front grille grabbing the attention and giving the car a youthful and vibrant appeal. The shaving off of the 200 mm has slightly imbalanced the rear design, however, the LED tail lamps, 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, dual-tone paint job along with floating roof design complements the much-desired SUV look.
Further, it is the widest in the segment and features the longest wheelbase which means more comfort and space inside.
Interiors
The cabin features dual black and beige colour theme with silver inserts emphasizing the premium look while the front seats offer nice support with excellent cushioning. The spacious cabin is well appointed with some of the highlights include touchscreen infotainment with inbuilt navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility and dual-zone climate control.
Other features include heated and powered ORVM, push engine start/stop button, automatic headlamps & wiper and first-in-class sunroof. However, there are some conspicuous omissions including telescopic steering adjustment and rear AC vents.
Engine & Performance
The most crucial aspect and the USP of the XUV300 is its duo of authoritative engines that offer excellent performance and superior driveability. Where the 1.2 L petrol engine puts out 112 PS and potent 200 Nm of torque, the 1.5 L diesel produces 117 PS and segment-leading 300 Nm of torque.
Both the engines are available with 6-speed manual transmission, though the inclusion of automatic would have been icing on the cake. In terms of performance, the diesel engine has negligible turbo lag, while the extra torque enables it to swish through traffic with ease. On open stretches, the meaty mid-range offers effortless driving.
The petrol engine feels refined right from the get-go with zero vibrations and silence all throughout the journey. For SUV enthusiasts, the sudden spike after 2000 rpm would paste a big smile on their face. It also gives pleasure at cruising speeds on the longer routes.
The XUV300 returns ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl for the diesel and 17 kmpl for the petrol one. However, expect the real-world mileage to be around 10-12 kmpl for petrol and 14-16 kmpl for the diesel powered XUV300.
Ride & Handling
The mini SUV’s apt ride and handling attribute perfectly matches with the lively motors underneath. Mahindra has given soft suspension that is well damped to gulp most road undulations. The steering is light and makes city navigation effortless while at the same time, weighs upright on corners and especially on highways, giving a sense of assurance that you are driving an SUV.
The ground clearance at 180 mm though lowest in the segment, is sufficient enough to tackle whatever the Indian roads decide to throw at the small SUV.
Safety
The vehicle boasts of top-notch safety aspect including 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, front and rear parking sensors and rear view camera, while the all-wheel disc brakes are first in segment.
Pricing & Final Thoughts
Mahindra XUV300 is a well-rounded product and it seems the UV maker has a bold contender at hand. The price which starts at Rs 7.90 lakh and goes up to Rs. 12.14 lakh is though slightly on the higher side when we compare it to the Maruti Brezza. So, with powerful set of engine choices, ease of ride and handling plus several first-in-class features, Mahindra XUV300 does have that SUV punch, which makes it a winner in its category.
