Mahindra XUV300 In-Depth Review

Specifications of Mahindra XUV300

ARAI Mileage	20.0 kmpl
Fuel Type	Diesel
Engine Displacement (cc)	1497
Max Power (bhp@rpm)	115bhp@3750rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm)	300Nm@1500-2500rpm
Seating Capacity	5
TransmissionType	Automatic
Boot Space (Litres)	259 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	42.0
Body Type	SUV

Mahindra XUV300 Overview

The insane popularity of compact SUVs does not seem to slow down. And it is not hard to see why? At this price, they have just about everything you want from a family car. They already have a compact SUV called the Mahindra TUV300. And now there is this, the Mahindra XUV300. It is a baby sibling to the XUV500. And it is quite, different from what the TUV offers. 

Well, it is also packing a lot of the segment’s first features. And I am going to tell you what it is all about. But before we go any further, tell us in the comments what you think of the Mahindra XUV300. Would you pick it over any of its established rivals?

Mahindra XUV300 Exterior

Now, some of you may already know this, but the Mahindra XUV 300 originated from the Ssangyong Tivoli. Of course, Mahindra owns the Korean SUV brand. And we have seen the fruits of this, in the original Rexton and last years Mahindra Alturas G4. 

But while those are both just rebadged versions of Ssangyong SUVs. The Tivoli – had been thoroughly reengineered to make the Mahindra XUV300. For one, the length has been shaved, from 4.2 meters to 3.9 meters. And though there is a resemblance, almost all the body panels are new.

It also uses Mahindras engines and suspension. So while the base platform is the same, it is pretty much a new car. What do we think about the way it looks then? 

I know this can be quite, subjective so feel free to disagree. But I have to say I quite liked what they have done with it. 

• The detailing at the front where the chrome started. 
• The grille,
• The projector headlamps. 
• The vertical LED DRLs extends down to the front bumper. 

It all looks very classy. 

At the back, to the part LED tail lamps to give it a distinct signature. The tailgate is nicely sculpted, and it has a nice visual width viewing profile. I like the contrast roof, especially on this color of the car. And the 17-inch alloy wheels too. 

But unfortunately, the proportions are a bit off from this rear angle. Despite that attractive rear haunch at the back simply looks too truncated. About the rest of the car. It is the price designers have to pay when making a sub 4 meter SUV. 

Mahindra XUV300 Interiors

Now, let us step inside and see what they have managed with the interiors. 

The interior of the XUV300 is a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, the design is pretty straightforward. And the dashboard is high-quality. These buttons are very well damped. 

And even the ones on the steering wheel feel premium. The steering wheel itself feels nice to hold. On the other hand, there are far too many colors textures and materials on the dashboard. And it looks like a bit of a mismatch, and while the top half here looks nice and modern with its 7-inch touchscreen. The bottom half looks like it came from 10 years ago. 

Some of the plastics lower down in the cabin is not as good as on the dashboard. But that aside there is plenty to like – there are loads of cubby holes for storage. I like the big bright dials whose backlit colors. I like the informative trip and fuel computer. That even tells you if you have left your wheels turned before you set off. And I also like the front seats are well-bolstered at the sides. But the really impressive bit about the XUV300 is its vast equipment list.

Mahindra XUV300 Features 

Most of the equipment is up there with the best in the segment and there are even a few segment firsts there is:- 

Mahindra XUV300 Safety

The safety kit on board is worth talking about, you get a 

An interesting, feature of the back seat of the XUV300 is that it has an adjustable headrest. And 3-point seatbelts for all three passengers, and that is quite cool. The bench is reasonably comfortable, and there is enough space.

I think this is interesting, take on seatback pockets by Mahindra. Although, things could probably slide through. However, one features it does not have an A/C vent. 

And take a look at the boot space as it is not one of this car’s strong points. It is only 259 liters, clearly that it is significantly smaller than what most rivals offer. There is also a very high loading lip meaning you will have to haul your bags up and over to load them in.

Mahindra XUV300 Driving Dynamic

Now, let us see what this Indo-Korean Partnership feels like out on the road. The Mahindra XUV300 is powered by the same 1.5-liter diesel engine as the Mahindra Marazzo. But it is been tuned differently for this car. The good thing is despite the retune. It maintains the same power and torque figures of 115 horsepower and 300 Newton meters of torque. 

Which is insane for a car of this size. Both those numbers are class-leading for diesel engines in sub 4 meter SUVs. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (or AMT). Which is light to use, and so is the clutch.

Which makes light work of shifting around in traffic. Not that you’ll find yourself shifting gears too often in town. Because this compact SUV has a very strong torque reserve at the bottom end. 

Mahindra says they worked hard to contain turbo lag, and they have, it is very little of it. However, there’s just so much torque that when it comes on boost this car just leaps forward. And you have to prepare yourself for that. 

For instance, while driving, I put it in third gear let it dip below 1,500 RPM. Then I flour the throttle, and when it wakes up close to 2,000, it just goes and goes. Wow, you have to be gentle with the throttle if you do not want to go flying into the car in front of you. At performance feels properly, strong this thing is really quick. 

Mahindra hasn’t claimed a 0-100 time yet.

If there is a criticism of this powertrain is that the power band is not very wide. It is grunt is, focused at the bottom end. And it is all done by around 4,000 rpm, it also felt quite refined, but again that is something We would like to test again.

Mahindra XUV300 | Engine Specs 

Petrol (1.2-liter)
Max Power	110 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque	200 Nm @ 2000 rpm

Diesel (1.5-liter)
Max Power	115 bhp @ 3750 rpm
Max Torque	300 Nm @ 1500 rpm

Against its rivals, another commendable feature on this compact SUV is the engine stop-start. Which will save you a lot of fuel every time you stop at traffic lights. However, in practice, this takes a bit of getting used to because the system is not perfect. 

This also comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 110 horsepower and 200 Nm torque. 

The Mahindra XUV300 rides pretty decently, as well it set up a little bit on the firm side. But it is not uncomfortable. So bump absorption, in general, is quite good. Unless it is a big crater or steep speed-breaker. 

The Mahindra XUV300 takes it all in its stride. The 17-inch alloy wheels they’re doing right on 55 profile tires. But you can feel a bit of bumpiness over a rough road. And all this got me wondering since Mahindra has the TUV300 handle the rough better than the tarmac. Maybe this XUV300 is more geared to the tarmac and corners. 

And another cool feature variable steering. While some rivals do offer driving modes that alter the engine performance. This one has driving modes but only for the steering which is quite interesting. You can shift between comfort, normal, and sport, and though it is not a night and day difference.

But there is quite a noticeable change between the modes. If you are pottering around town, comfort mode makes things light and easy. But if you are out on an open road, I prefer to put it into the sport mode which gives you a bit more heft and confidence. 

So far, so good. So, I have taken it to a windy section of the road to see how it handles like? And I have to say I am pretty impressed by the amount of body control there is. It does not roll too much, which is nice, but the steering does not inspire that much confidence. Even in its sports setting. It still feels a little too light. And while it is sharp and quick, it just does not give you enough feedback from the road.

Conclusion 

Mahindra was right when they said that Mahindra XUV300 takes a different approach to the compact SUV formula than its sibling, the TUV300. But we were not prepared for just how different it would be. 

While the TUV is a tough boxy ladder-frame SUV, that is better suited to a semi-urban environment. And the XUV is the sort of city crossover we have come to expect in this segment.

I also was not prepared for just how capable this car would be –

• The strong, diesel engine gives it serious performance. 
• The cabin is for the most part very well put together 
• It is got a reasonably spacious passenger cell. 
• The ride and handling balance are very good too. 
• And to top it off, the XUV 300 delivers what is easily the segment-best equipment and safety list. 

After a series of impressive new cars like the Mahindra Alturas. Mahindra seems to have kept the streak going with the XUV300. This car has made a big impact in this small SUV segment.