Mahindra XUV300


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ROAD TEST: Mahindra XUV300 Diesel W8 makes a good impression

Almost as soon as the Mahindra had arrived, I had a road trip planned. I’m attending a friend’s wedding in Baardskeerdersbos and am looking forward to making full use of the 1,5-litre turbodiesel’s 300 N.m of torque, cruise control and, as a road trip is not complete with good tunes, the standard-fitment Apple CarPlay.

We like:

Striking exterior design; generous spec; punchy engine

We dislike:

Lack of automatic transmission; small luggage compartment


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VIDEO: Mahindra XUV300 1,5 Diesel W8 Manual long-term wrap-up

CAR journalist Marius Boonzaier bids farewell to his Mahindra XUV300 1,5 Diesel W8 Manual after a six month tenure behind the wheel. The XUV300 was revealed by Mahindra in December 2018 as the brand’s all-new compact crossover that adheres to India’s sub-four metre sement.

The XUV300 sources its underpinnings from the Ssangyong Tivoli but boasts shorter dimensions. It’s currently offered in South Africa with two engine options; an 82 kW 1,2-litre turbo-triple and an Engine of the Year winner in India 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel as seen here which claimed the title of India’s Engine of the Year.


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Mahindra XUV300 turbocharged petrol option to get more power

Currently, the Mahindra XUV300 is available with a turbopetrol 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine which offers a power output of 81 kW and 200 N.m of torque. A new rumour suggests that the Indian manufacturer has plans to increase this amount for an upcoming update.

As Autocar India reports, we can expect the petrol variant of the Mahindra XUV300 to deliver 97 kW and 230 N.m which still transmit power to the front wheels via six-speed manual gearbox. Within the Indian market, this crossover is available with an AMT as well but this transmission may be offered to the uprated engine at a later stage.

The Indian publication says it was expecting this power output to be introduced to the Mahindra XUV300 Sportz that was revealed at the Auto Expo but this just landed up being a cosmetic alteration that featured specific cosmetic upgrades, red brake callipers and unique decals.

 
Updated Mahindra XUV300 (2022) Specs & Price

Mahindra has updated its XUV300 compact SUV which now offers higher levels of standard specification as well as the introduction of an XUV300 Special Edition (SE). See details below…

Mahindra’s XUV300 compact SUV has received a specification update across all trim levels (W4, W6 and W8) while XUV300 W4 Special Edition (SE) has also been added to Mahindra’s local lineup.

The XUV300 competes in a burgeoning segment where rivals such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Chery Tiggo Pro 4, to name just a few…

What’s changed?

The most notable change to the XUV300 can be seen inside where all derivatives now gain a dark interior with a black dashboard and black cloth or leather upholstery. The XUV300 W8 derivatives gain black leatherette upholstery. Previously, the XUV300 was offered with an ivory and beige interior but listening to customer feedback, Mahindra has now opted for black.

Another major change is the fitment of an updated 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system which replaces the outgoing 7-inch system. The new system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible in the W4 SE, W6 and W8 derivatives.

The W6 trim level now adds a rear window wiper, demister and integrated navigation and cruise control. As for the XUV300 W8 includes features a sunroof, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The W8 trim level also includes a height-adjustable driver’s seat, self-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic headlights.

Mahindra has mostly left the exterior design unchanged but the Indian firm has taken the opportunity to introduce newly-designed 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels fitted to W6 and W8 derivatives. The XUV300 W4 derivatives are fitted with steel wheels with wheel covers while the new W4 SE gains its own unique 16-inch alloy wheels with black and silver detailing. More so, all derivatives are now equipped with a full-size spare wheel.

How much does the Mahindra XUV300 cost in South Africa?

XUV300 W4 1.2 Petrol – R234 999

XUV400 W4 1.2 SE Petrol – R244 999

XUV300 W6 1.2 Petrol – R261 999

XUV300 W6 1.5 Diesel – R281 999

XUV300 W8 1.2 Petrol – R316 999

XUV300 W8 1.5 Diesel – R336 999

The XUV300 is sold with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. The XUV300 W4 derivatives include a 3-year/50 000km service plan while the W6 and W8 derivatives are covered by a 5-year/90 000km service plan.


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If you’re considering a Tiggo 4 Pro or Jolion you might want to drive Mahindra’s XUV300

- Mahindra SA is extremely proud of the five-star GNCAP safety rating of its updated XUV300.
- Local model was tested by the organisation to ensure it’s just as safe as the overseas versions.
- Range-topping W8 diesel model is the one to go for, but where’s the automatic gearbox?

Worthy consideration in a hot segment

This B-SUV/crossover segment is booming, and most car makers are trying to captivate consumers with hot models now. The Mahindra XUV300 appeals to us here with smart styling, impressive new features, and impressive safety credentials. It’s packed with active and passive features and there’s so much comfort here that it’s hard to not recommend it as a worthwhile alternative to the hugely popular Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and the Haval Jolion. If we were buying, we’d go for the range topping W8 or the new W4 SE to save some bucks. Either way, you’ll get a decent warranty and a service plan to keep running costs in check for the next half a decade.

Let us know in the comments section, if you prefer the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, the Haval Jolion or the updated Mahindra XUV300.

Mahindra XUV 300 Pricing in South Africa

Mahindra XUV300 1.2T W4 - R234 999
Mahindra XUV300 1.2T W4 SE - R244 999
Mahindra XUV300 1.2T W6 - R261 999
Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W6 - R281 999
Mahindra XUV300 1.2T W8 - R316 999
Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W8 - R336 999

All models come with a five-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty and a three-year or 50 000km Service Plan.

 
Mahindra’s updated XUV300 range gets 5 safety stars at GNCAP

5 safety stars for Mahindra’s impressive B-Segment SUV contender, “Africa’s safest car.” Ryan de Villiers reports from the media launch.

The Mahindra XUV300 has achieved a five-star rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) and it would seem as though the Indian vehicle manufacturer is rather proud of this fact. It is a compact SUV littered with a tremendous number of safety features. The updated XUV300 is a culmination of a number of efforts to improve the safety rating issued to the Indian model. According to Mahindra, their vehicle received a score of 16.42 out of 17 as well as five stars for its adult occupant safety rating. Notable features range from seven airbags to an EBD system that comes as standard from the base model up. At a reasonable sticker price of R235 000 for the base model, the XUV300 positions itself as an affordable and reliable choice for the family-oriented consumer.

The entire XUV300 range has also received a specification boost with all models now featuring a dark interior and on the W8 models leatherette upholstery. This follows feedback from customers who felt that the light ivory in the previous model was not quite as practical as they have had liked. Anpther notable upgrade to the XUV300 is its new 9-inch touch-sensitive infotainment system, available in W4 SE, W6 and W8 models and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

 
DRIVEN: 2022 Mahindra XUV300 is an affordable and safe SUV starting at R234 999

It’s really messy out there and the XUV300 should certainly be on your list especially with the interior improvements and most definitely because of the safety features it comes with.

The W4 models come with a five year/150 000km warranty and a three year 50 000km service plan while the rest of the range has the same warranty and a five year/90 000km service plan.

Mahindra XUV300 pricing (March 2022)

W4 petrol: R234 999

W4 petrol SE R244 999

W6 petrol: R261 999

W6 diesel: R281 999

W8 petrol: R316 999

W8 diesel: R336 999

 
REVIEW | Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W8 holistically impressive as range relaunches in SA

• Mahindra relaunched its XUV300 in South Africa after its initial debut in 2019.

• The XUV300 is now the safest car in Africa after passing crash tests with flying colours.

• We drive the top of the range 1.5TD W8 model.

In summary

Though we appreciate what Mahindra has done with its XUV300, especially the 1.5TD W8, we can't ignore the use of hard plastics and the smell it emits when the sun shines on it in a brand new vehicle. If Mahindra could use higher-quality materials, the interior's ambience would significantly improve.

And even with the infotainment system being Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, it is dated, but nothing a comprehensive facelift can't fix.

Mahindra has genuinely managed to produce a good crossover on several levels, most notably the safety aspects. And it has transformed Mahindra into a brand that should be taken seriously. And why shouldn't it? It's got the credentials to prove it.

 
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