The Mahindra XUV300 is the latest entrant in India’s compact SUV segment. Based on the SsangYong Tivoli, premium on the inside, and loaded with features, the Mahindra certainly made a strong first impression. However, Mahindra XUV300 prices are not the most competitive in the segment. The XUV300 is pricier than the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and costs a bit more than the Ford EcoSport too. However, with two engines available with four variants each, it’s easy to find a Mahindra XUV300 to suit your budget. Let’s break it down.

What are the engines on offer?

The Mahindra XUV300 gets two engine options. There’s a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110hp and a class-leading 200Nm of torque and a 117hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 300Nm of torque, which again, is more than all its rivals. Both these engines come mated to 6-speed manual transmissions while a diesel-AMT is likely to join the range soon.

The price difference between the turbo-petrol and diesel is merely Rs 50,000-59,000 across variants (with the latter being more expensive). We haven’t tested the XUV300’s fuel economy as yet but the claimed efficiency figures stand at 17kpl and 20kpl for the petrol and diesel, respectively. In the real-world, however, the diesel is likely to be more fuel efficient, and, frankly with more power and more torque to boot, it’s our pick of the Mahindra XUV300 engines.

What are the variants on offer?

Both engines get four variant options each – W4, W6, W8 and W8 (O).

The W4 is the entry-spec variant priced at Rs 7.90 lakh and Rs 8.49 lakh for the petrol and diesel, respectively. The good news is that this variant is well-equipped with safety kit like all-wheel disc brakes, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, speed-sensing door locks, child seat anchors, corner brake control, central locking and front seatbelt pre-tensioners. In addition, it also gets features like the smart steering system, a Bluetooth audio system with 4 speakers (diesel only), electric mirror adjustment, four power windows, a driver armrest, adjustable headrest for all seats, height adjustable front seat belts and a 60:40 rear seat split, among other features, making it our value-for-money pick of the range.

For a premium of Rs 81,000-85,000 over the W4, is the W6 variant that comes with a touchscreen with navigation, steering-mounted controls, follow-me-home headlamps, black roof rails, a roof spoiler and remote key entry. For the price huge price difference, this variant doesn’t really offer good value.

The next variant in the line-up is the W8, that’s Rs 1.50 lakh more than the W6. The added sum gets you an expansive list of features like wider 215mm tyres with 17-inch alloys, hill-hold, ESP, front and rear fog lamps, an anti-theft alarm, rear wiper and washer, a height adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, auto headlamps and wipers, electric folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control, projector headlamps, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, LED DRLs, cruise control, engine start/stop button, a micro-hybrid system and a lot more, including some trim bits that give this variant a more upmarket appeal. This variant is priced at a premium over the top-spec Brezza and Nexon, but offers far more in terms of safety kit and equipment.

The range-topping variant is the W8 (O) that’s approximately Rs 1.40 lakh pricier than the W8. For the money, it gets five additional airbags (side, curtain and driver-knee), diamond-cut alloy wheels, front parking sensors, heated outside mirrors, a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, auto-dimming inside mirror and a tyre pressure warning system, among a few other bits.

Which is the variant to buy?

The base W4 variant is well-equipped and offers great value for money. If you’re restricted by budget, this is the one to go for. Do note, that Mahindra is offering a laundry list of accessories, which owners could opt for like alloy wheels, fog lamps, seat upholstery, chrome garnish etc., to personalise their XUV300.

Although the W8 (O) variant gets premium kit like a sunroof and seven airbags among others, it is just too expensive and not worth the stretch. Our pick of the range is the W8 that is priced at a premium over the Nexon and Brezza top models (manuals) but is much better equipped in comparison, and maintains a fine balance between segment-unique features and value.

(All prices are ex-showroom, India)