UPDATE: Mahindra XUV300 revealed before February 2019 launch

Mahindra has revived its alpha-numeric naming system with its new compact SUV, calling it the XUV300. The name of the sub-four-metre SUV, which was known by its S201 codename, is meant to provide an aspirational link to the larger and popular XUV500, according to a source. The introduction of Mahindra’s Marazzo MPV and its new flagship, the Alturas G4, saw Mahindra drop the ‘double O’ nomenclature.

Mahindra is no stranger to the segment, having brought out the Quanto, TUV300 and the NuvoSport. However, while these compact SUVs were built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis, the XUV300 is a monocoque-bodied model, another link to the larger, seven-seat XUV500.

Expected to launch early next year, the XUV300 is based on the SsangYong Tivoli’s platform but gets unique body panels and styling. Mahindra has tweaked the suspension setup of the SUV to better suit Indian roads conditions.

Engine duties on the XUV300 will be carried out by the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that was recently introduced in the Marazzo MPV. This engine delivers a healthy 123hp and 300Nm in the MPV; if Mahindra sticks to the same state of tune, these would make the XUV300 the most powerful compact SUV.

One of the new Mahindra compact SUV’s key draws will be a sunroof. On the inside, expect a large touchscreen with various functions, cruise control and the works. However, we can confirm that the model will come with dual-zone automatic climate control, again, unique to the segment. The SUV is also likely to come with segment-firsts like seven airbags (at least in higher trims), rear disc brakes, ABS and ESP as standard.

The Mahindra XUV300 will be launched in the first quarter of 2019 and will compete with higher variants of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and will also take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks.