HomeCar ReviewsMahindra TUV300 Review - First Drive

Mahindra TUV300 Review – First Drive

It was back in 2011, even before Mahindra launched their flagship SUV XUV500, that the Indian UV maker had begun working on what was then known internally as U301. Now, four years later, and after an investment of INR 1,500 crore, Mahindra is ready with their all-new generation compact SUV, TUV300.

One would wonder, why did the company launch this product, considering that they already have Quanto, which is not only priced cheaper, but also has a more powerful engine. The reason is better engineering, driving dynamics and a huge improvement in quality. The bigger reason is the growing demand for compact SUVs, which Mahindra thinks will eat 30% share of the Indian auto industry in coming years.

Elaborating on the reason, ‘Why TUV300’, Group Chairman, Mr. Anand Mahindra who was present at the launch, explained it wonderfully. Mr. Mahindra says that not only they are facing competition from rival manufacturers, but also from app-based taxi services like Uber and Ola. These services have the potential to stop individuals from buying cars, especially the young generation.

As per Mahindra, the TUV300 is a better equipped, safer, stronger and more advanced SUV which will help them rival the likes of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster in a much better way.

 

So how does one survive in such an environment? The idea is to deliver a product which is an ‘object of desire’, something which does not need to shout about its presence, but still makes a lasting impression. As per Mr Mahindra, TUV300 is one such object.

L to R Mr.Anand Mahindra, Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Dr.Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd at the launch of Mahindra’s True Blue SUV – TUV300

Design, Styling and Dimensions

Undisguised spy shots of the TUV300 leaked online a few days before Mahindra officially showcased the car. At that time, the design of the car did not impress. But seeing the car in person, changed that perception.

Mahindra TUV300 Front Quarter

From the outside, or the inside, the TUV300 does not look like an under 4 meter SUV. The boxy design (inspired from battle tank) does grow on you. The Jeep styled front grille with chrome inserts along with static-bending headlamps gives the car a premium front look, while the no-nonsense flat lower bumper with fog lights housed in squarish chrome insets, gives the car a bold presence on the road.

Lower bumper merges into the protruding front wheel arch, giving TUV300 a wider stance. Though this does look good from the front quarter, from the side it does look like the front is botched.

Mahindra TUV300 Side View

Talking about side design, it is dominated by new 15 inch alloys, which do look a bit small for the height of the car. Though being an under 4m car, both front and rear doors are surprisingly large enough and provide easy ingress and egress. Those under 5 feet in height might need to use the side stepping.

Body coloured door handles, blackened B and D pillars along with black ski racks, and tall stance, helps the car look sporty as well as SUVish from the side.

The rear design is dominated by a swing-gate mounted spare wheel, which is wrapped in body coloured cover, with a Mahindra logo in the centre. Apart from vertical taillights, the rear also features reflectors, housed inside the lower bumper.

Mahindra TUV300 Rear

The car is 3995 mm long, 1835 mm wide, and 1839 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2680 mm and a ground clearance of 180 mm. Kerb weight of TUV300 is at 1,590 kg while gross vehicle weight stands at 2,225 kg. Overall, the car does look and feel tough, as claimed by Mahindra.

Interiors and Space

Designed with inputs from Pininfarina (the same Italian brand which Mahindra is rumoured to take over), the touch and feel, quality of interior pleastics, especially the dashboard, is the best yet from Mahindra (yes, even better than their flagship XUV500).

The hexagon themed centre bezel, finished in black and beige, is neat and clutter free. The centre fascia on the dashboard gets a piano black finish. It houses an LCD display, air vents, controls to music system, and volume. Below this are controls to the air conditioning system.

The steering wheel looks stylish and feels like it is wrapped in the same material which is on the dashboard, but somehow the touch and feel were not impressive. There are phone and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Instrument cluster features twin pods, one displaying the tachometer which redline at 5,000 rpm while the other displaying speed. In between the two is LCD MID. The twin pods gets chrome on their rims.

Seats too get a dual tone finish, with decent quality fabric upholstery which matches with the interior layout. Seating comfort for front passengers is accentuated with arm rests (both sides), while rear passengers get ample leg room (easily allowing seating for three adults).

It will be difficult for two tall people to fit in the jump seats.

Its the jump seats in the third row which do not look convincing. At most, they are good enough for those with an average built.

The doors have ample space to store bottles, and other of your belongings. The glove box too has decent capacity, but its opening is restricted.

Overall, the interiors are roomy and neatly done. They do miss out on some features like the rear AC vents. For this huge a cabin, rear AC vents could have come handy on a hot summer day.

Engine, Transmission and Mileage

The new 1.5l mHawk80 housed under the bonnet of TUV300.

Mahindra TUV300 is powered by a 1493 cc BSIV compliant three cylinder diesel engine with two stage turbo-charger called mHawk80. Mated to a five speed gearbox, which sends power to the rear wheels, this engine delivers peak power of 84 bhp at 3750 rpm and peak torque of 230 Nm in the range of 1500 – 2250 rpm. Mileage stands at 18.49 kmpl, as per ARAI rating.

Apart from manual transmission, there is an option of AMT gearbox on offer. This makes TUV300 India’s only SUV to offer AMT. Powered by the same engine, mHawk80, the power output on board this variant is 81 bhp at 3750 rpm, while torque remains unchanged. The AMT unit is developed by Mahindra R&D with help from Ricardo. Mahindra has said the patent rights of the AMT belong to them. However, only manual variants were available for us to test.

In spite of having same cubic capacity, cylinders, bore and stroke as compared to the Quanto’s engine, Mahindra says this is a completely new engine. Developed in-house, this new engine was built at an investment of INR 200 crores. Compared to the Quanto’s 1.5l mill, it offers 16 hp less power and 10 Nm less torque; but at the same time offers an 1.39 kmpl more fuel efficiency.

Specs, Safety and Features

Drive and Handling

After the launch event, Mahindra had arranged for a short test drive of TUV300 at their test track, which had well laid tarmac, rumble strips, banking and curves. After driving the car around their test track for a few laps, we were able to gather a decent first impression about the car’s driving dynamics.

Just like other Mahindra UVs, front seats on board the TUV300 also offers familiar ergonomics. Raised stance giving you the SUVish driving confidence. Also, the A-pillars being not very slanted, blind spots are minimal, offering a good panoramic view of what’s in the front.

Speaking about the new engine, as compared to other Mahindra engines, the new 1.5l diesel mill is rather quite at idle. But, as you push the pedal, the noise starts seeping into the cabin along with some vibrations which can be felt on the steering wheel and gear knob.

On paper, the peak torque is delivered in the band of 1500-2250 rpm, but we experienced the torque kick-in at about 1,700 rpm, which is when the car comes to life. On the smooth tarmac, the car feels stable and in control. The 215/75 R15 CEAT Czar H/T rubber provides decent grip, but fails to impress while braking.

The huge rumble strips too were taken well, thanks to double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension and chunky tyres. It is in the bends the car lacks confidence, though it is much better than the Quanto. There is considerable amount of body roll due to the TUV300’s body on frame setup.

The steering wheel fails to deliver feedback, and is a bit on the heavier side at lower speeds. When we asked why the steering felt heavy at low speeds, they said it is what their customers liked, and hence was done on purpose.

Mahindra TUV300 – Variants and Prices

  • T4 – INR 6.90 lakhs
  • T4+ – INR 7.25 lakhs
  • T6 – INR 7.55 lakhs
  • T6+ – INR 7.80 lakhs
  • T6 AMT – INR 8.52 lakhs
  • T8 – INR 8.40 lakhs
  • T8 AMT – INR 9.12 lakhs

Verdict

An accessorized version of the TUV300.

With tall standing SUV design, Mahindra claims that the TUV300 offers a package which was not yet offered by anybody in the segment. This according to them is a tough looking proper SUV. The TUV300’s closest rivals are the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster, both having a very urban styled SUV charm, and not a proper 4×4 looks.

Though the TUV300 is not a 4×4, it does tick the boxes when it comes to rugged SUV styling. Compared to the two rivals, the TUV300 feels more tougher. Though we are yet to test the car in real world conditions, it appears to be built to take on the worst kind of roads, or even no roads, and that too without making you feel guilty or pitying for the car.

Photos of Test Drive Car

Photos from Launch Event

Photos of Accessorized TUV300

Press Images

TVC

Rushlane Google news