Driven - The Mahindra XUV300
Quick Facts
- Price: From R259 900
- Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Power/Torque: 85kW / 300Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed Manual
I spent a week sampling the Mahindra XUV300, a compact SUV from the Indian automaker and it is one interesting vehicle, in a good way.
My test unit was the W8 diesel variant, which the top of the range model with all the bells and whistles added onto it and features a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 85kw and a hefty 300nm of torque.
Visually, the front end looks particularly great, I loved the LED Daytime Running Lights which look like they running across the entire front grille and down into the fog lamps. The side profile also looks good, it looks like a lot of thought has been put into the entire design and that is a good thing.
The interior is a bit of a hit and miss, while the seats are comfortable the steering wheel and infotainment area do look a bit dated however everything is in the right place and is very ergonomically friendly. My test unit was dressed in the white interior, and I would suggest not having this interior if you have kids, messy, or both. There is an option for darker leather and I think it is the only one that makes sense.
I love the fact that there is a sunroof that brings in much-needed light, and while the infotainment might look dated, everything is in the right place and works perfectly. There is a touchscreen that is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth ready, making it easier to connect. The XUV300 also features a reverse camera with adaptive guides to make parking easier. Charging is also effortless with 2 USB ports at the front as well as a 12V socket.
The XUV300 also houses 4 grown adults easier as it has ample space, the boot is however slightly compromised
The drive? Easily my most enjoyable and frugal experience of this Mahindra XUV300. My Mahindra XUV300 test unit was powered by a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 85Kw and a whopping 300nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the torque is available earlier up in the RPM band so you get thrown back into your seat quite early which was fun for me. The diesel sound does get a little overpowering when you aren’t listening to any music however once in motion the sound does die down.
Another thing I enjoyed was just how fuel-efficient it is, during my 600km tenure, I never refuelled which was a big thing for me, making the XUV300 one of the most fuel-efficient cars to have graced my driveway.
Did you also know that the Mahindra XUV300 is rated the safest compact SUV in Africa having achieved 5 stars at the NCAP?
Pricing
From - R254 900
Mahindra XUV300 W8 Diesel - R336 999 (tested model)
