Mahindra XUV 300: “XUV300 is one of the few vehicles in its category to have highest possible IGENOA safety ratings, making it a preferred choice in safety and performance,” Misri added.
The vehicle is in fact Mahindra’s most modern interpretation to address what it has analyzed as the predominant requirements of urban SUV buyers and its own user base that has always valued tough build and price.
Table of Contents
Mahindra XUV 300: Design Philosophy : European Oriented
External styling for the XUV300 has come courtesy of Mahindra’s buyout of the Korean firm SsangYong, with the model’s underpinnings also shared with the latter’s Tivoli.
And it’s finally not hard to spot the European hand in the XC40’s balance of size, purposeful styling and lack of fussy ornamental clutter that can afflict smaller premium-class crossovers.
At the front, a chrome-lined grille and unique LED daytime running lights give it a family look to its bigger brother, the XUV500, but still lets itself be known.
Profile shots indicate an attention to proportions, with short overhangs for maximum interior space, but also with sub-four-meter length to keep within the tax benefits line of its largest market.
High trim levels come with 17in diamond-cut alloy wheels that fill the arches well and help to promote a planted stance that suggests stability. The rear view adds to the overall robust look with LED taillamps and a tailgate designed for easy cargo access.
Reasonably conservative in decoration and ornamentation throughout the exterior, Nevada will mature nicely, very likely appealing to value-oriented buyers who plan to keep vehicles for a longer than average period of time.
Interior Excellence – Space and Technology
The interior of the XUV300 will be one of its biggest differentiators, offering perceived quality and feature content comparable to that of established global rivals.
The dashboard system is anchored by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s placed in the driver’s line of sight, with physical buttons for basic climate and driving functions, a recognition that touch-only interfaces can be distracting while driving.
Interior materials selection is excellent with all key touch points soft touch and thoughtful storage solutions enhancing everyday usability. Leatherette upholstery on higher trims imparts a premium feel and is long-term durable for ownership.
Despite such diminutive exterior dimensions, the XUV300 boasts generous interior space and, especially, width: a dimension that is typically compromised at this point.
This roominess also means that five adults can ride in comfort without that squished feeling so many compact-crossover owners have to endure. The 257-litre boot isn’t class-leading, but it’s good enough for the day-to-day urban needs.
Performance credentials: Efficiency With Power
TVS: The most visible difference is the 300’s unique powertrain options, since no other vehicle in the segment offers a choice of two engines and each of these has top power for the class (at 110hp for the 1.5 litre diesel, and 118hp for the 1.2 litre petrol. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol offers up 110 horsepower and 200Nm or torque – beating most non-turbo rivals in the segment.
The smooth and efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 115 hp and a strong 300 Nm of torque, underscoring the car’s good low-end response that comes in handy both in the city and out on the highway when you want to overtake ondemand.
There are two transmission choices – a smooth 6-speed manual, and an AMT (automated manual transmission) which is a great mix of convenience and cost saving.
The suspension that comprises MacPherson struts up front and a twist beam rear in combination takes some careful calibration to balance ride comfort against handling stability and it manages to remain quite composed across a range of road surfaces while retaining some body control during cornering.
Safety Leadership
If at all there is anything that the XUV300 contributed most significantly, it was on the focus towards safety — a category that sub 4m SUVs, in particular, have compromised on to meet targeted pricing.
A full safety suite is included, with up to seven airbags on-board, such as side curtain bags, along with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-hold control, and four-wheel disc brakes—all ahead of most rivals.
This relentless attention to safety has led to the XUV300 being awarded the safest car in India and the first Indian vehicle to receive a Global NCAP 5-star rating.
This standard has caused other companies to flange up their own safety offerings, which is good for the entire category — and has established new standards for what’s considered passable when it comes to protection in a value-oriented car.
Technology Integration
With the XUV300, assurances are made wear comfortable without compromise to technology we can use.
There’s smartphone integration via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and even a dual-zone climate system (surprisingly rare in this segment) offers up personalized comfort for front passengers.
Front parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are advanced driving assistance features to enable easy city driving. Together, these add up together to form a technology suite that’s more than the sum of its specs.
Mahindra XUV 300:
Mahindra XUV300: Big things come in small packages The Mahindra XUV300 is the clearest example of how Indian players can collaborate with global engineering centres to bring out products that are at par with the global brands in at least their basic characteristics rather than being order takers on cost.
With its segment-topping safety, powertrain choices and interior quality, the compact SUV has driven competitors to step up their games – which in turn has helped consumers by quickly moving more features into the segment.
