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| The XUV300 puts a cheetah among the SUV pigeons. |
WITH Mahindra assembling its vehicles near King Shaka airport, KZN’s motoring media got first crack at driving the new XUV300 last week.
Built on the group’s global X100 platform, the XUV300, (which Mahindra wants you to pronounce three double oh, like that spy who likes his Martini shaken, not stirred) introduces new petrol and diesel engines and a raft of features that in the W6 or W8 models that are sold as options in competing small SUVs.
Arvind Mathew, chief of International Operations at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said South Africa was the first international market outside of India to get the XUV300,
He said the XUV300, which was launched in India in February 2019, has already generated over 26 000 bookings, which is more than the total size of South Africa’s total small SUV market of about 25 000.
“The success of XUV300 can be attributed to its combination of style, dynamic driving performance and a high specification level. If the local interest in this new model is anything to go by, it will soon become one of Mahindra South Africa’s top-selling models as well,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa
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| Mahindra's bosses with the equally impressive XUV500. |
Like the XUV500, the XUV300 is inspired by cheetah styling cues, visible in the XUV300’s squat stance, which is accentuated its 2.6-metre wheelbase in a body that is just short of 4 metres.
This stance is further enhanced by wide and bold wheel arches and large, 17-inch wheels on the corners of the vehicle.
New generation engines
XUV300 buyers can choose between a turbo-petrol or a turbo-diesel engine.
The petrol is a new three-cylinder 1,2 litre block making 81 kW at 5 000 rpm and 200 Nm from 2 000 rpm to 3 500 rpm.
The 1,5 diesel has four-cylinder that delivers 85,8 kW at 3 750 rpm and 300 Nm between 1 500 rpm and 2 500 rpm.
“Both the 1.2 litre petrol and 1.5 litre turbo-diesel engine have been subjected to extensive stress-testing at Gerotek in Gauteng and we are confident that they will not only offer exceptional durability, but also deliver the type of acceleration and high-speed cruising power that South African drivers enjoy,” said Gupta.
All versions of the XUV300 are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, which transfers power from the engine to the front driving wheels.
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| Durable rather than soft touch, the interior offers all the mod con buttons, and then some. |
Abundant Luxury
The new XUV300 is available with two trim levels, both of which offer a level of standard equipment and safety features, including the 17.78cm infotainment system, with an auxiliary port and USB connectivity.
The W6 trim level offers the most affordable entry into the XUV300 range and features air conditioning, electric windows, power steering with Smart Steering, premium black fabric trim, electrically adjustable side mirrors and central locking.
The XUV300 W8’s list of luxuries includes a second USB charging point, an additional information screen between the colour-customisable LED-lit instrument cluster and electric windows with express up- and down function with anti-pinch technology. There is a glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, also with anti-pinch technology, cruise control and an integrated voice command system with steering-mounted controls.
Mahindra has also added additional driving aids, including its Tyretronics tyre pressure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse parking camera with parking assistance and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
Other creature comforts that come standard on the W8 specification level include dual-zone climate control with three pre-set memory settings, keyless access with a start-stop button and automatic headlights.
Ample space
With its long wheelbase and width of 1.821 m, the XUV300 offers exceptional interior space for the driver and passengers, with ample head and shoulder room for adult occupants, including three adult passengers in the second row.
The interior space is further improved by a near-flat floor in the rear with sculpted front seatbacks for additional rear leg room. In front, the driver has the benefit of a six-way adjustable seat and a height-adjustable steering wheel. In the rear, the luggage compartment holds a spare wheel and the floor has three height settings, while the seats folding forward in a 60:40 configuration.
Safety and security
The W6 specification level has two airbags. ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, cornering braking control and discs on all four wheels. The W8 specification level has a class-leading seven airbags, while also adding electronic stability (ESP) with rollover mitigation.
All versions of the XUV300 will be offered with an impressive five-year / 150 000 km warranty and a standard 5-year or 90 000 km service plan and 24/7 standard Roadside Assistance and a Maintenance Plan for period of five years or 90 000 km.
XUV 300 pricing (May 2019)
W6 1,2 Petrol R249 999
W6 1,5 Diesel R274 999
W8 1,2 Petrol: R304 999
W8 1,5 Diesel: R324 999
(First published in Witness Wheels.)
