Slated for launch in first half of Feb 2019, new XUV300 (codenamed S201) will be Mahindra’s first strong bet in the compact-SUV segment. It will take on the likes of Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon. At the event today in Mumbai, Mahindra not only revealed the name of their SUV, but also revealed features, interiors and exteriors sketches.
The compact SUV segment registers sales of about 35-40,000 units a month. Brezza eats the biggest share at about 15k sales. Mahindra knows that it would be tough to break the hold of existing market leaders, which is why Mahindra will be introducing quite a few segment first features in XUV300.
Mahindra XUV300 belongs to the Cheetah family, on which the flagship XUV500 is also based. XUV300 derives inspiration from international-spec SsangYong Tivoli and also borrows design and styling features from XUV500. It gets segment-first features like 7 airbags, sunroof, cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM and dual zone AC. Another great thing about XUV300 is that it has a monocoque chassis, which makes it sturdier, balanced and durable. Monocoque chassis is known to reduce engine noise and vibrations and ensure comfortable rides even on rough roads. It also helps reduce overall weight of the vehicle.
XUV300 has good-looking, expressive exteriors, which will help it compete with its stylish rivals such as Brezza, Nexon, and EcoSport. Prominent exterior features include Mahindra’s signature grille with centre-aligned company logo, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, dual-tone ORVM with indicator lights, flared wheel arches with cladding, 17-inch machine cut alloys and LED tail lamps. Black coloured A, B, C pillars indicate that XUV300 will have a floating roof design.
Interiors will have a premium look and feel with dual-tone (black and beige) colour theme, leather seating, and large touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity, voice commands, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Mahindra XUV300 will be compliant with Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) norms, as it will be offering advanced safety & security features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, speed alerts, seat belt reminder, all four disc brakes and ISOFIX anchorages. These will be offered as standard in all variants of XUV300.
Speaking at the name reveal, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, M&M Ltd. said “The XUV300 is our latest offering in the next generation of aspirational Mahindra vehicles, after the Marazzo and the Alturas G4. Our new breed of vehicles are products of engineering excellence, offer high refinement and are built on global platforms. XUV500 enjoys huge equity in consumers’ minds and now with the XUV300, the XUV brand will evolve into a family of vehicles that stands for sophistication with performance.”
Rajan Wadhera, President Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd. said “The XUV300 is an all-new product that is built on a global platform and comes with many segment firsts. The XUV300’s head-turning, cheetah-inspired design, ‘fun-to-drive’ performance, first-in-class hi-tech features, best-in-class safety and class-defining interiors, make it an exciting & comprehensive package that will find a strong connect and appeal among consumers. We will offer the XUV300 in both petrol and diesel options.”
Both diesel and petrol option will be available at the time of launch. Engine options have not been detailed, but Mahindra did confirm that the car will be most powerful in the segment. Diesel variant could utilize the same engine as Marazzo – the 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder unit that outputs 123 PS power @ 3,500 rpm and 300 Nm torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm. Transmission is 6-speed manual or AMT option. Petrol variant could have a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine that will make 120 bhp.
Mahindra has confirmed that both petrol and diesel manual options will be offered at the time of launch. AMT options will be launched later. Focus has been kept on driving dynamics, making the XUV300 the best driver’s car in the segment. Longest wheelbase in the segment also helps in achieving that. Mahindra XUV300 is expected to be launched in the price range of Rs 7-11 lakh. It will enter production at Mahindra plant in Nashik. Below are the official images of the SUV, which were revealed today.
