Mahindra has launched a new variant of its XUV300 compact SUV – the W6 AMT. Priced at Rs 9.99 lakh, the new entry-level diesel-automatic variant costs Rs 50,000 more than its manual counterpart, but is priced Rs 1.5 lakh less than the next variant in the AMT-equipped XUV300’s line-up, the W8 AMT (Rs 11.50 lakh).
Like the W8 and W8(O) variants with the AMT gearbox, this 6-speed automated manual unit is paired to the same the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 117hp and 300Nm of peak torque. Our review of diesel-AMT XUV300 showed that this Marelli-sourced transmission is one of the best units around. The gearbox is quick enough to respond and drops down a single or couple of gears when more power is asked for.
In terms of equipment, the AMT-equipped W6 variant adds safety kit such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and hill-start assist to the manual version's list of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders for the driver and front passenger, a speed alert system and rear parking sensors. However, creature comforts on the W6 manual and AMT versions are identical – features such as roof rails, a rear spoiler, steering-mounted controls for the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four speakers, remote central locking and follow-me-home headlamps are standard.
Compared to other diesel-automatic compact SUVs that are on sale in India, the Mahindra XUV300 W6 AMT directly goes up against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza in mid-spec VDi (Rs 8.93 lakh) and ZDi (Rs 9.55 lakh) form and the Tata Nexon in the lower-spec XMA variant (Rs 9.05 lakh). Tata has also recently introduced the Nexon Kraz+ – a special edition for the festive season – which is priced at Rs 9.19 lakh.
All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
