In the section of style claims and spec sheet grab offered by default, Mahindra XUV300 manages to define itself as a concealed space framer of compact SUV with evenness in terms of safety,
performance and reality usability. With the run-of-the mill sunroofs and larger infotainment screens in rivals, XUV300 rides its clutch in first round safety benefits then into plush cabin comfort bucket followed by powertrain lineup that works for city/mile roads.
First impressions: Feisty, Muscular and Pushed for space
A view from close in, and the Mahindra XUV300 looks like it has a real purpose in life. Offering an athletic running style due to upright stance, wide chrome grille paired with C-shaped LED DRLs for attitude without over-selling. A low overhang and chunky wheel arch makes it appear planted, the 17-inch diamond-cut alloys (top-end variants) strike a fine balance between style and utility.
Viewed from its compact size the cabin is larger and of better storage space compared to an average car; build quality feels strong (Mahindra is the best in SUV) — a trait Mahindra has learned from its SUV family. Both the paint quality and panel fitment go a long way in making sure that what you are looking at is not just another budget C-segment crossover, but a properly manufactured machine for Indian roads.
Indo Road Suitable Powertrain Performance
The versatile XUV300 is available in both petrol and diesel engines. The XUV300 has a petrol engine of 1.2 liters that develops 110PS and 190Nm, along with a diesel powertrain of 150 bhp that churns out 300Nm
Turbo Petrol is refined and fun in the cities going to give you enough mid-range resort for you to overtake. That highway miles a mile champ, diesel gets coast to coast (with style) and lots of powersmoothing out it’s a tad stoic otherwise. The engines get 6-speed manual and AMT variants, with the latter pep-tuned to be less bangy.
XUV300 really excels on the road and handling. Suspension works well — it takes potholes and bad patches to oblivion with composure, steering feels exact for its class. No matter if you are weaving through the hens or if the highway is your playground, XUV300 is sure to look composed.
As the Segment Leader, Beyond Simply Cabin Comfort
Get in the XUV300 and discover a cabin that’s been thought out well; with slick aesthetics and premium material treatments. We also like the two-tone dash that exudes a sense of sophistication and the front seat (especially) offers plenty of cushioning and support for long haul driving.
Rear seat comfort is not only a blessing, providing ample knee room and with floor near flat for three-passenger seating it is more enjoyable than most of the compact SUVs in our midst to have come across. The lightly-colored upholstery lightens the cabin, and internal acoustic treatment is really gutsy — stowage below the floor insulation helps curtail wind & road noise thus the overall refinement.
The calf room is more to befit and there are nice touches such as a climate controlled glovebox, not to mention adjustable headrests for all and seatbelt adjusters height wise on both front seating blocks as Mahindra wants an air-cushioned cabin.
The One and Only Safety Record
And this is where the Mahindra XUV300 breaks out. It was the first Indian car to get 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, and the S class also provides several else claim to have found missing in even cars kissing the toppling limit.
Base higher trims really have everything from 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, front and rear parking sensors, ESP with rollover mitigation, and ISOFIX mounts. Base variants are hardly light on utility either, there is no such thing as optional safety these days.
They are not top-tier features like you get on most other luxury cars for example but they are part of a calculated decision to focus on what really matters: occupants. It’s refreshing and reassuring in a market where safety measures are often second-class citizen.
Three that straddle the middle
The XUV300 is a little less tech focused, but it offers features that are considered pretty great. For example you get a tidy 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, auto headlamps and wipers, dual-zone climate control (the first in its class), sunroof and cruise control as well do make for well rounded package.
The infotainment system may be not as flashy as most of the competitors, but it absolutely snugs together and physically controls like AC and volume make for a much inuitive system than do the ones which are debonier with touch screen.
Complementing Urban Living: The Ultimate in Practicality
Though still aimed towards the premium, the XUV300 is very much stuck in practical mode. Small enough to park and drive streetwise in urban environments, good ground clearance (we’re talking 180mm) to be a little rougher on rural roads.
The boot, at 259-litres it is not as expansive as some competitors but it is surely an absolute priority to rear seat comfort over luggage — a sensible trade off for families that will be utilising it primarily for city duties.
On fuel efficiency: The petrol gets around 17km/l, the diesel variant stretches it up to 20 km/l (driving conditions), a good one for its segment.
The Verdict: An Eco-friendly midsize SUV
Another thing going in favor of the people down at Mahindra — the XUV300 is not going to shock you with a huge tablet screen or any of that gaggy stuff. Instead, it is embracing a purist approach to the compact SUV market — packaging safety above all else with a pleasing blend of ride & comfort that allows it to hold enterprise status among segment bests.
For those who believes long lasting peace of mind, real safety and Road handling for everyday utility rather than temporary blow ups the XUV300 is a smarter, ride on the front. It simply isn’t trying to be all things and clarity of purpose is what all good design really boils down in this most sensible, reliable and under rated compact SUV of India today.
Among bunch of fashionable crossovers the Mahindra XUV300 is an SUV oriented to the driver — it will outlive and end up being a new experience for you.