Mahindra XUV300
The XUV300 is Mahindra’s sophisticated sub-four-metre compact SUV. It’s a shortened and re-engineered version of Mahindra subsidiary SsangYong’s Tivol...
The XUV300 is Mahindra’s sophisticated sub-four-metre compact SUV. It’s a shortened and re-engineered version of Mahindra subsidiary SsangYong’s Tivoli and is far removed from body-on-frame models like the TUV300. The Mahindra XUV300 debuts many class-first features but it is also among the pricier compact SUVs. It is available with petrol and diesel engine options with standard-fit 6-speed manual transmissions. The diesel engine is additionally available with the option of an AMT auto. The Mahindra XUV300 holds the distinction of being the safest car to be crash tested by Global NCAP being rated 5 stars on adult occupant protection and 4 stars on child occupant protection.
Read moreMahindra XUV300 Quick Review
The Mahindra XUV300 is smart and well turned out, and it also seems larger than its contemporaries. On the inside, you’ll find a fairly conventional d...
The Mahindra XUV300 is smart and well turned out, and it also seems larger than its contemporaries. On the inside, you’ll find a fairly conventional dashboard but the cabin does have a premium air about it. Seat comfort and cabin space are good but not great, but the XUV300’s width does make it a better five-seater than most rivals. Sadly, boot space is strictly limited.
The Mahindra XUV300’s 117hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine is very likeable. It’s not the quietest of engines but it is smooth and it delivers power in a friendly manner. The auto gearbox is also quite nice as AMTs go. As for the petrol engine, the 110hp, 1.2-litre turbocharged unit is quiet and refined but power delivery at low speeds isn’t the smoothest. The three-cylinder engine gets into its rhythm as you build the revs and offers a pleasant performance then on.
Unique to the Mahindra XUV300 in this segment is the option to adjust steering weight. The SUV is not pin-sharp but it is nice to steer nonetheless. Also, an absorbent suspension means you can drive it with vigour on poorly paved surfaces, but there’s no escaping the firmness. Do note, it is the heavier diesel that feels more surefooted.
Read moreMahindra XUV300 : Our Choice
Of the two engine options on offer, we’d pick the XUV300 diesel, as it has a broader range of abilities. And given that it is more efficient too, the ...
Of the two engine options on offer, we’d pick the XUV300 diesel, as it has a broader range of abilities. And given that it is more efficient too, the diesel XUV is worth the premium over the petrol. The AMT is an option for urban buyers too. The diesel-manual and petrol XUV300s are available in four trims each. The base W4 is fairly well-equipped and is a good value pick. The W6 gets more frills but you’d do well to extend your budget to the W8 trim version that gets ESC, projector headlamps, auto headlights and wipers, keyless go, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Range-topping W8(O) versions of the Mahindra XUV300 are identifiable by their diamond-cut alloy wheels and also get premium kit like front parking sensors, heated outside mirrors, a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, auto-dimming inside mirror and a tyre pressure warning system. However, these versions are expensive by class standards.
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