The Mahindra TUV300 is positioned as a more desirable and modern alternative to the slow selling Quanto. The new sub-4 metre ladder frame SUV aims to lock horns with the affordable variants of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster, with the advantage of additional features. Here is how the new arrival stacks up against its rivals on paper.
Dimensions
While the TUV300 and EcoSport comply with the sub-4 m rule to take home the price benefit, the Duster disregards it to offer more space and practicality. The French crossover measures 4,315 mm in length, 1,822 in width and 1,695 mm in height. The TUV300 is 3,995 mm long but is wider and taller than the Duster by 13 mm and 144 mm. The EcoSport emerges as the smallest of the lot, measuring 3,995 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width and 1,708 mm in height.
The Mahindra has the longest wheelbase at 2,680 mm, followed by the Renault at 2,673 mm. The EcoSport’s wheelbase stands at 2,520 mm.
Engines and gearboxes
The new compact SUV on the block is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine dubbed as mHawk80 which is claimed to be all-new despite sharing the bore, stroke and configuration with Quanto’s mCR100 mill. The twin-stage turbocharged oil burner produces 85 PS and 230 Nm of torque of torque when mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 82 PS when mated to an AMT. It’s to be noted that the TUV300 is the only rear-wheel drive car in this comparo.
The Renault Duster’s 1.5-litre diesel engine is available in two states of tune – 110 PS and 85 PS with torque outputs of 248 Nm and 200 Nm respectively. The former comes with a 6-speed MT while the latter get a 5-speed MT. An AWD variant is also on offer. The Ford EcoSport’s 1.5-litre diesel motor is tuned to deliver 91 PS and 204 Nm of torque, and comes mated to a 5-speed MT.
Mileage
The new Mahindra, being a heavy ladder frame SUV loses out to its crossover rivals in this department. The EcoSport tops the FE chart with an ARAI certified mileage of 22.67 kmpl while the Duster closely follows with a mileage of 20.45 kmpl for 85 PS and 19.87 kmpl for 110 PS version. The TUV300 returns a mileage of 18.49 for the manual variant. Fuel efficiency of the AMT variant is yet to be released.
Tech Spec Comparo
Mahindra TUV300 vs Ford EcoSport vs Renault Duster – Diesel spec comparoFeatures
Here are the model wise features highlights of the three compact crossovers (top-end variants).
Mahindra TUV300: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer, tiltable multifunction steering wheel, electrically adjustable ORVMs, driver seat height adjustment, remote with keyless entry, audio system, front row lumbar support, 5+2 seating configuration with jumps seats at the rear, alloy wheels and fog lights.
Ford EcoSport: Six airbags [in Titanium (O)], ABS with ESP, reverse parking sensor, SYNC multimedia infotainment system, keyless entry with push button start, cooled glovebox, electrically adjustable ORVMs, Home safe headlamps, fog lamps, alloy wheels, leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, adjustable steering wheel and driver seat height and lumbar adjustment.
Renault Duster: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, touchscreen multimedia infotainment system, electrically adjustable ORVMs, adjustable steering wheel, driver seat height adjustment, electrically adjustable ORVMs, remote keyless entry, fog lights, and alloy wheels.
Also read – Mahindra TUV300 review
Prices
The Mahindra TUV300 is clearly the most affordable car of the lot by far with a starting price of INR 6.0 lakhs. The Renault Duster diesel starts where the TUV300 ends, at INR 9.12 lakhs. The Ford EcoSport diesel has finds itself sitting comfortably in the middle with a starting price of INR 7.89 lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
