Codenamed S201, and popularly known as the Mahindra XUV300 – the compact SUV will soon have its official name reveal. Mahindra was to announce the official name of XUV300 on December 1, but the event got postponed. Now, Mahindra has confirmed that the name reveal of their new SUV will take place on 19th Dec.
There are speculations that XUV300 will be named Inferno, but an altogether different name may be selected, just like in case of Alturas G4. Even XUV300 seems okay, considering that people are already calling it the smaller cousin of Mahindra XUV500. XUV300 has been spotted in production guise at various locations, which indicates that final road tests are underway.
Mahindra XUV300 is slated to intensify competition in the compact-SUV space. The SUV will be offering a host of segment first features. Based on international-spec SsangYong Tivoli, XUV300 will offer premium features such as sunroof, 7 airbags, dual zone AC, auto dimming IRVM, and cruise control. Another differentiating factor is that XUV300 will have a monocoque chassis, which makes it strong and durable, all while reducing its weight.
Exteriors of XUV300 appear to have borrowed design and styling elements from both Tivoli and XUV500. Mahindra’s signature grille is clearly evident, as are other prominent features such as projector headlamps with LED DRLs, flared wheel arches, large 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps. A, B, C pillars are black in colour, which indicates that XUV300 will come with a floating roof effect. It would look even sportier if it comes with a contrasting coloured roof.
Mahindra S201 (XUV300) is expected to be available in both diesel and petrol variants. Diesel engine could be the same 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder unit being used in Marazzo, which delivers 123 PS power @ 3,500 rpm and 300 Nm torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or AMT transmission. Petrol variant could be powered by a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine that will deliver 120 BHP power.
Looking at the specs and competitor profiles, Mahindra XUV300 can be priced in the range of Rs 7-11 lakh. With its segment-first and premium features, XUV300 has good potential to take on rivals Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon.