Mahindra had showcased the XUV300 Sportz edition at the 2020 Auto Expo
At first, the XUV300 Sportz can be easily confused for a standard XUV300 with some aftermarket decals. However, there is much more to the SUV than just some additional stickers and coloured brake calipers. The XUV300 Sportz draws power from a different motor which dishes out more torque and power than the standard version.
Mahindra’s new 1.2 litre Turbocharged GDI motor churns out 130 hp & 230 Nm of max torque. This is 20 hp and 30 Nm higher than the standard BS6 compliant turbo petrol engine which currently does duty on the standard XUV300. Upon launch, the new T-GDI engine will be mated to a 6-speed MT but might get an AT option sometime later.
Post launch, the XUV300 Sportz will become the most powerful petrol SUV in the segment. It will in fact become even more powerful than the EcoSport which uses a 1.5 litre motor to dish out 123hp. Speculation also suggests that this new 1.2 litre TGDI motor will also be used by Ford as a replacement for its 1 litre EcoBoost engine (which has been discontinued currently).
Apart from the decals on the sides, Mahindra has also added some model-specific changes on the inside of the cabin. This includes an all-black treatment for the cabin with red highlights on dashboard and seats (stitching). While the additional design elements are relatively loud, in typical Mahindra fashion, what needs to be appreciated is the amount of power one will have at disposal.
Other fact which needs to be noted is that the XUV300 is already one of the most feature-heavy offering in the segment and with the additional power surge, it will further become an enviable package. Not to forget, it also happens to be one of the safest India-made car.
When is it launching?
At the time Mahindra showcased the more powerful XUV300 variant, it was revealed that the launch will take place some time in April 2020. But due to the pandemic and nation-wide lockdown – plans were derailed. Mahindra is yet to reveal launch timeline for the XUV300 Turbo, but as per a recent chat with Mahindra customer care, launch of the XUV300 Sportz variant is not confirmed for this year. It is likely to be delayed to 2021. This year, Mahindra to focus on launching new Thar and TUV300.
Price?
However, the additions won’t come without an additional cost. There are high chances that the XUV300 Sportz will land up becoming the most expensive sub 4 metre compact petrol SUV. Major rivals of the XUV300 Sportz will be EcoSport, Venue Turbo, Sonet Turbo, Nexon.
Other XUV300 related update is that Mahindra has been working upon launching an electric version of the SUV. It had displayed it at the 2020 Auto Expo as well. Launch is expected to take place in second half of 2021. Upon launch, it will majorly compete with the likes of Nexon electric.
