Mahindra XUV 300: The Mahindra XUV300 is by far one of the most important introductions in the Indian market’s compact SUV segment.
A design vision in its own right, inspired by the larger XUV500, this sub-four-meter variant fuses the stylish detailing of European design whilst embodying the refined and premium persona that have become definitive benchmarks in its class with unmissable features and safety credentials.
Mahindra XUV 300 Design and Exterior
In terms of design, the XUV300 is an interpolation of Mahindra’s developing design language, itÂ’s a silhouette of a cheetah – which strikes a perfect balance between the aggressive front facia and the rear.
This family link with its larger XUV500 sibling is most evident with its front end that with its’ chrome grille joined daytime running LED lights could belong to nothing else.
Although the sub-four-meter tax bracket means the XUV300 has its hands tied when it comes to dimensions, it handles proportions well; there are muscular wheel arches, and a wheelbase of 2,600mm (relatively long in its class) that has helped it get a planted stance.
These generous dimensions mean more space inside than the outside dimensions would necessarily suggest, especially since this wheelbase is in fact the longest in this segment of the market.
Interior Space and Quality
On the inside, the XUV300 is surprisingly spacious and ergonomically designed, thanks to some clever packaging.
Passenger space is competitive with this class thanks to the extended wheelbase, which translates to ample legroom in both rows, and the boxy roofline provides decent head clearance even for taller occupants.
Shoulder room is also impressive for a small car, with three-across seating in the back quite feasible for medium-built adults.
Material quality is one of the XUV300’s strong points, with soft-touch effects lavished on all the common touch points and neat panel fit that indicates the progress Mahindra has made on the inside. A two-tone dashboard with silver finishes adds visual pop, and the higher trims also get leatherette upholstery that’s a bit of a rarity in this segment.
Feature Content
Mahindra XUV 300- XUV300’s feature list has been its highlight in attracting value-conscious buyers. The options include those a notch up the range carries:
7 inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The car will also come with first-in-segment dual-Zone automatic climate control
Sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated side mirrors
Tire and wheel monitoring system
Front parking sensors to go with rear sensors and reverse camera
The two features, along with practical touches to tailor the comfort level throughout the cabin to suit nearly every passenger, also point toward a family-friendly offering—exactly the kind of package value-conscious families have been asking for.
Safety Credentials
Mahindra XUV 300- Arguably the XUV300’s unique selling proposition (USP) has to be its safety rating. ITs five-star safety rating for adult protection and 4 stars for children consider it one of the safest cars ever built in India, across all segments.
This same safety emphasis does not limit itself to structural integrity, it includes:
Seven airbags (including a knee airbag) on upper-spec models
ESP w/ roll mitigation
Front and rear disc brakes
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Driver attention alert
Hill hold assist
For families that are making safety a top priority in their decision to purchase (and for insurance underwriters too), those credentials offer more peace of mind — over many lower rated competitors.
Powertrain Options
The XUV300 comes with a pair of capable engines to choose from. Powering the cars are a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, which makes 110 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre diesel motor that makes 115 bhp and a whooping 300 Nm of torque — lead their segments in terms of torque which means these engines offer strong mid-range.
Both engines launched with manual 6-speed gearbox options, but Mahindra has been forced to offer AMT options to cater to increasing demand for automatics.
It’s not as smooth as other CVT or DCT units, but the good news is that it is an economical two pedal option for city dwellers.
Driving Dynamics
The XUV300 offers a good mix of ride comfort and handling composure on-road. The suspension settings manage to soak up bumps in city roads well, though there’s reasonable control over the body in corners.
Ride quality is not bad either, a better set-up than we are used to from Mahindra and even the steering feedback which has been a sore point with many Mahindra products is a bit better, although some might find it heavy at parking speeds.
NVH (noise vibration harshness) control is also impressively good – especially in the diesel, having shaved off all those decibels, sound insulation does a stand-up job of containing any engine ruckus.
Mahindra XUV 300
“The XUV300 is a direct competitors in the rapidly growing compact SUV segment and sets a new benchmark today with its class-defining safety features, “best-in-class” engine performance, head-turning design and infotainment system.
There are some trade-offs, like reduced luggage space and no traditional automatic transmission when the car launches, but on the whole, it makes sense if you put your family ahead of cubic cargo space.
With new rivals and fresh competitors making the XUV300 work hard to stay in the running, its strong safety credentials and slick integration of features help keep the XUV300 ball in play for buyers who want more than just a look on their compact SUV.