Mahindra XUV300: More Details Emerge

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.

• Likely to be launched in the first half of Feb 2019

• Expected to be offered in four variants

• Could be priced between Rs 8 lakh - 12 lakh

• Will have no automatic option at launch

• Will rival the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon

Mahindra recently christened its upcoming sub-4 metre S201 SUV as the XUV300. Though Mahindra released images and the feature list of the compact SUV, the information was scant at best. Now, however, the SUV has been spotted completely undisguised, helping us determine a few more details about the car.

Spotted while what we believe was a TVC shoot, this particular unit of the XUV300 adorned the W8 badge on the boot. So it’s safe to assume that Mahindra will follow its traditional naming system for the upcoming SUV’s variants, with the base model bearing the W2 badge followed by W4, W6 and the range-topping W8 trim. Plus, since we already know that the XUV300 will be available with both petrol and diesel engines, it is likely to be offered in a total of eight variants.

Also read: Mahindra XUV300 Unofficial Bookings Commence

The images also reveal that the XUV300 will comes with three adjustable headrests at the rear with the possibility of a three-point seatbelt for the middle passenger as well.

Mahindra is also offering segment-first features like seven airbags and a dual-zone climate control as well. It is also likely to sport a 2600mm wheelbase, which will make it longer than that of the Creta. It’ll also get disc brakes all around and claims to be the most powerful car among its rivals.  But despite the upper hand, it has in terms of features, the XUV300 will have its work out.

Also read: New Maruti WagonR Launch On January 23, Same Day As Tata Harrier

Challenges It Faces

The compact crossover segment is one of the hardest fought segments in the Indian automotive industry and the toughest competitor for the XUV300 will be the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, which continues to be a hot-seller in its segment despite having a smaller engine and a stiffer than desirable suspension setup. Its success can be attributed to Maruti’s extensive service network and brand recall that is second to none. The quirky design plays its part too, but that has since been surpassed by the likes of the Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport. Yet, the Brezza stands undefeated.

Also read: Third MG SUV To Launch In Q3 2020; e-SUV In Q1

The second challenge for the Mahindra will be from the Ford EcoSport which oozes road presence and has the power and driving dynamics to match. Mahindra will need to give the XUV300 a balanced setup and a superb ride if it hopes to compete with the Ford. In addition to this, the new 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine and two new variants - S and Signature - have only added to its appeal.

Lastly, the final hurdle in the XUV300’s path will be the Tata Nexon, the first Made-in-India car to score a 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. The Nexon is a testament to the fact that more airbags don’t necessarily mean a safer car. It also shows the progress Tata has made in terms of structure and chassis design. Safety is something Mahindra will need to nail if it wants the XUV300 to appeal to the modern, safety-oriented car buyer.