The all-new Mahindra XUV300 is bold and beautiful

I had the pleasure to be in the company of this SUV for a week and I was impressed in more ways than one. Just about everything, from the colour, the engine, fuel consumption, interior, price, ease of use and more screams value for money at you!

Image by Naresh Maharaj

There is no doubt that Mahindra has entered the next phase of its evolution with a winner in the compact segment SUV market. Mahindra South Africa has achieved significant growth in South Africa since its establishment in October 2004, and since then it has sold approximately 55,000 vehicles. That’s very good going as they look to increase market share. But allow me to tell you more about this ‘cute’ eye-catcher.

Head-turning design

With its dual LED-strip daytime running lights (DRLs), aggressive grille, wide LED taillights and diamond-cut alloy wheels, the new XUV300 stands apart from other compact SUVs in the market.

Like the XUV500, the XUV300 is inspired by the aggressive dynamism of a cheetah. This is perhaps most visible in the tear-duct style DRLs on certain models, which flank the bold grille.

Image by Naresh Maharaj

The cheetah styling cues are further visible in the XUV300’s squat stance, which is accentuated its 2.6-metre wheelbase in a body that is just short of 4 metres. This stance is further enhanced by wide and bold wheel arches and large wheels on the furthest corners of the vehicle.

New generation engines

A brand-new model range deserves brand new engines and Mahindra has launched two new engines with the XUV300, offering buyers the choice of either a turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel engine.
The first is a new three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which delivers 81 kW at 5,000 rpm and a healthy 200 Nm of torque between 2,000-3,3500 rpm.

The second engine option is a brand-new four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 85.8 kW at 3,750rpm and 300 Nm in a flat band between 1,500-2,500 rpm.

All versions of the XUV300 are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, which transfers power from the engine to the front driving wheels.

Driver centric

In the interior of the new XUV300, Mahindra’s designers have crafted the vehicle controls around the driver and have added a thick-rimmed steering wheel with steering controls, a large tachometer and speedometer and a 17.78cm full colour connected infotainment system on all models.

Image by Naresh Maharaj

The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on the W8 and has in-built turn-by-turn navigation with regional maps as standard across the range.

All the luxury you need

The new XUV300 is available with two trim levels, both of which offer a level of standard equipment and safety features, including the 17.78cm infotainment system, with an auxiliary port and USB connectivity.

The W6 trim level offers the most affordable entry into the XUV300 range and features air conditioning, electric windows, power steering with smart steering, premium black fabric trim, electrically adjustable side mirrors and central locking.

In the W8 specification level, Mahindra has created one of the most luxurious interior packages available in the compact SUV segment.

The XUV300 W8’s list of luxuries includes a second USB charging point, an additional information screen between the colour-customisable LED-lit instrument cluster and electric windows with express up- and down function with anti-pinch technology. There is a glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, cruise control and an integrated voice command system with steering-mounted controls.

In the XUV300 W8, Mahindra has replaced the fabric seats with its luxurious leatherette upholstery.

Spacious

With its long wheelbase and width of 1.821 m, the XUV300 offers exceptional interior space for the driver and passengers, with ample head and shoulder room for adult occupants, including three adult passengers in the second row.

Image by Naresh Maharaj

In the rear, the luggage compartment can be extended both vertically, with the option of three height settings for the luggage floor and horizontally by folding the rear seats forward in a 60:40 configurations.

Safe and secure

The Mahindra XUV300 offers category-best safety and security features. The W6 specification level is equipped with ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, cornering braking control and discs on all four wheels. It also has impact-sensing door locks and a high-mounted stop lamp in the rear spoiler. An emergency braking signalling system is fitted to all models, as are ISOFIX child anchors on the rear seats.

Pricing

All versions of the XUV300 will be offered with an impressive 5-year/150,000km warranty and a standard 5-year/90,000km service plan and 24/7 standard roadside assistance.

To enhance the value offering and to ensure complete peace of mind to our customers, XUV300 will come with optional maintenance plan for a period of 5 years/90,000km.

The introductory retail pricing for the model range is:

• XUV300 W6 1.2 Petrol: R249,999 (Incl. VAT)
  
• XUV300 W6 1.5 Diesel: R,274 999 (Incl. VAT)
  
• XUV300 W8 1.2 Petrol: R,304 999 (Incl. VAT)
  
• XUV300 W8 1.5 Diesel: R,324 999 (Incl. VAT)

Verdict

South Africa is the first international market outside of India to launch the XUV300, which lands here with both petrol and diesel drivetrains and the choice of a W6 or W8 trim level. The success of XUV300 can be attributed to its combination of style, dynamic driving performance and a high specification level.

If the local interest in this new model is anything to go by, it will soon become one of Mahindra South Africa’s top-selling models as well. Almost everywhere I drove to XUV300 to, there was interest from locals. I am suitably impressed.