Mahindra XUV300: All You Need to Know

Update 14/02/2019: The Mahindra XUV300 has been launched at Rs 7.90 lakh, ex-showroom India. Here's why it is priced at a premium as compared to the Brezza, Nexon and EcoSport.

Mahindra is all set to enter the compact SUV party with its much-awaited XUV300. With its official images and name being released, here’s all you need to know about the upcoming SUV from the homegrown carmaker.

Tivoli Connect
It is well known that the XUV300 is based on the X100 platform that underpins the Ssangyong Tivoli. Although the XUV300 is different in terms of design, it shares a lot of components with its South Korean counterpart.

Cheetah Inspired

Compared to the SsangYong Tivoli, the XUV300 has a completely redesigned front and rear profile to help it tuck under four metres in length. The Tivoli, for reference, measures 4195mm in length and the XUV300 is now confirmed to be a sub-4 metre offering. Other Mahindra touches include the company’s chrome-studded, slat-type grille as seen on the bigger XUV500. It also gets eyebrow-like DRLs that seem to have been inspired by the units on the XUV500 and the recently-launched Alturas G4. However, unlike its bigger siblings, the DRLs extend into the bumper to enhance the wide stance of the car. On the inside, it gets dual-tone beige-and-black interior with leather upholstery and offers a long list of equipment. All in all, it looks like it carries the right blend of Mahindra’s design philosophy and modern Ssangyong genes.

Segment Firsts

Mahindra may not be the first to enter the compact or the B+ SUV segment in India, but it hopes to stand apart from the competition by offering a host of segment-first features in the upcoming XUV300. The new Mahindra is the first in its class to get all four disc brakes and better stopping power. Boosting safety further will be the compact SUVs first-in-class seven airbags on the top variants.

It’s main rivals, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon, opt for front disc and rear drum setups. Also, the EcoSport comes close with up to six airbags in the top variants. The XUV300 is also going to be the only SUV in its segment to get a dual-zone climate control system, taking premiumness to a whole new level. It is also the second SUV apart from the Ecosport to get a sunroof. Additionally, Mahindra is also claiming a class leading wheelbase on this sub-4 metre SUV, which in turn leads to more cabin space inside.

Under the Hood
The XUV300 will be offered with both diesel and petrol engines. And while Mahindra hasn’t confirmed the powertrains yet, we expect it to launch with the 1.5-litre diesel unit borrowed from the Marazzo (121PS/300Nm). As for the petrol engine it will likely feature a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor, which is being co-developed with SsangYong. In addition, it could be the same powertrain that Mahindra also will supply to Ford as a part of its partnership.

At the time of the launch, the engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Mahindra hasn't confirmed if we'll get any automatic variants yet, but we expect it to follow suit given that each one of its competitors already have an automatic variant.

Last Piece of the Puzzle

Mahindra has long wanted to be India’s biggest SUV player with products across all segments and sizes. While it already has the KUV100 and the TUV300 in the sub-4 metre category, there was always a gap and need for a premium compact SUV from the homegrown carmaker. With the XUV300 in the making for more than two years now and finally set to launch in February 2019, the wait seems to be over. It is also going to be Mahindra’s third and final product for the 2018 fiscal year and the carmaker expects the XUV300 to round off its SUV portfolio. Likely to be priced between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV300 will go up against the likes of best sellers such as the Vitara Brezza and the Ford Ecosport. While it may not be an easy task, with Mahindra’s strong SUV pedigree and host of segment firsts, the XUV300 surely is shaping up to be a worthy rival.
What’s more is that Mahindra even has plans of an electric version of the new XUV300 and has codenamed it S210. The all electric SUV is scheduled to launch in mid 2020 and will be the first among an all new generation of electric cars from the manufacturer, which will feature all new battery tech and much higher ranges than the current offerings.

Stay tuned for all the updates and our first drive and in-depth reviews of the new XUV300.

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