Update: Prices for the XUV300 1.2T-GDI have been announced Read our report here

Mahindra is gearing up for the launch of the long-awaited XUV300 1.2 T-GDi tomorrow. This sportier version of the XUV300 was supposed to go on sale in April 2020, shortly after its Auto Expo showcase, but the pandemic and semiconductor crisis deferred Mahindra's plans. Ahead of its launch, here’s everything that you need to know about the new XUV300 1.2 T-GDi.

• New variant makes 20hp more than the existing turbo-petrol model
• Gets new cosmetic updates finished in gloss black with red accents
• Will be sold alongside existing petrol and diesel engines

Mahindra XUV300 1.2 T-GDi: most powerful in class

The biggest talking point of the updated XUV300 is what will be under its hood. The 1.2 T-GDI mStallion is a 130hp, 230Nm, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol unit. The motor will come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and also get idle start/stop technology. This new turbo-petrol engine will be offered alongside the existing 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel and 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engines, with the latter two also available with an AMT gearbox.

At 131hp, the new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit makes 20hp and 30Nm more than the XUV300’s current 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, thus making Mahindra's compact SUV the most powerful petrol in its class.

Mahindra XUV300 1.2 T-GDi: exterior, interior and trims

To go with the more powerful engine, the XUV300 will also receive a few cosmetic updates to set it apart from the regular turbo-petrol. On the outside, the updated XUV300 will come with a new gloss black grille with red accents, a blacked out central air intake on the front bumper and Mahindra's new Twin Peaks logo. On the regular variants, the grille and front bumper get chrome garnishes.

The sportier XUV300 will also be marked out with new colour options – a new mustard colour option with a contrasting black roof has been seen doing the rounds on the Internet.

On the inside, the XUV300 1.2 T-GDi will come with an all-black theme contrasted with red and silver highlights. The dashboard, for instance, is finished in black as opposed to the dual-tone black and beige combination seen on the regular variants. The steering wheel also gets the new Mahindra logo with silver accents, while there’s contrast red stitching for the upholstery and new silver trim around the touchscreen.

Mahindra is likely to offer the new turbo-petrol engine on all existing trims of the XUV300 – W4, W6, W8, and W8(O) – and the equipment list is expected to be carried over unchanged.

Mahindra XUV300 1.2 T-GDi: rivals

The updated XUV300 will rival turbo-petrol variants of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Tata Nexon, but it will have an edge for being the most powerful SUV in its class.