Built on the group’s global X100 platform, the XUV300 (pronounced XUV three double O) is here to fill the gap between the KUV100 and XUV500 in the Mahindra’s local range. South Africa is the first international market outside of India to launch the XUV300 and this is in line with the brand’s strategy to make South Africa, Mahindra’s second home outside of India.

The looks

Outside the XUV300 features dual LED-strip daytime running lights (DRLs), aggressive grille, wide LED taillights and diamond cut alloy wheels. This makes the new XUV300 stands apart from other compact SUVs in the market. In terms of proportions, the XUV300 has a 2.6-metre wheelbase in a body that is just short of 4 metres. The size is particularly evident in the roomy cabin of the car.

On the side, the XUV300 features a floating roof (colour coded roof on darkened side pillars), as well as side cladding and a wide rear-quarter hip line that flows into unique LED taillights, a roof-mounted spoiler and high-mounted stop lamp. On the W8 model, the design is highlighted by LED indicators in the heated and folding side mirrors, dual tone roof rails, 17″ wheels and silver front- and rear skid plates.

Interior

Inside, the new XUV300, Mahindra has added a thick-rimmed steering wheel, a large tachometer and speedometer and a 17.78cm full colour connected infotainment system on all models. The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on the W8 and has in-built turn-by-turn navigation with regional maps as standard across the range. The system also allows the driver to pre-set many of the vehicle functions, including the background display and, on the W8, the colour of the LED backlit instrument panel.

The XUV300’s infotainment system also features Mahindra’s Bluesense app. This app tracks the driver’s driving patterns and scores them on a set of environmentally friendly metrics. The driver can access this information and information on past trips from their phone’s connected Bluesense app or smart watch.

In addition to the infotainment system, all Mahindra XUV300 models are equipped with the new Smart Steering system. Controlled with a button below the infotainment system, the Smart Steering system allows the driver to change the steering feel between Comfort mode, Normal mode and Sport mode.

The line-up

The new XUV300 is available with two trim levels. The W6 trim features air conditioning, electric windows, power steering with Smart Steering, premium black fabric trim, electrically adjustable side mirrors and central locking. In the W8 specification, the list of luxuries includes a second USB charging point, an additional information screen between the colour-customisable LED-lit instrument cluster and electric windows with express up- and down function with anti-pinch technology. There is a glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, also with anti-pinch technology, cruise control and an integrated voice command system with steering-mounted controls.

Mahindra has also added additional driving aids, including its Tyretronics tyre pressure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse parking camera with parking assistance and automatic rain-sensing wipers.

Other creature comforts that come standard on the W8 specification level include dual-zone climate control with three pre-set memory settings, keyless access with a start-stop button and automatic headlights. The XUV300 W8 also gets leatherette upholstery.

Safety

The Mahindra XUV300 offers key safety and security features that will impress many. The W6 specification level is equipped with ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, cornering braking control and discs on all four wheels. It also has impact-sensing door locks and a high-mounted stop lamp in the rear spoiler. An emergency braking signalling system is fitted to all models, as are ISOFIX child anchors on the rear seats. The W8 specification level adds 5 more airbags – side, curtain and a driver knee airbag to the list totalling to a class-leading 7 airbags, while also adding electronic stability (ESP) with rollover mitigation. The XUV300 W8 also adds warning lights on the front doors, hill-hold assistance, an anti-theft alarm system and seatbelt reminders on all seats.

Engines and drive

Mahindra has launched two new engines with the XUV300, a new three-cylinder 1.2 litre turbo-petrol engine, which delivers 81 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, and a new four-cylinder 1.5 litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 85.8 kW and 300 Nm. All versions of the XUV300 are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. We drove the diesel at launch. The drive is very refined and the transmission delivers power very well. The latter is thanks to feedback from South African journalists apparently. The steering is precise, which comes in very handy when cornering, and the brakes are responsive but not intrusive. All in all the XUV300 offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The introductory retail pricing for the model range is:

XUV300 W6 1.2 Petrol: R 249,999 (Incl. VAT)

XUV300 W6 1.5 Diesel: R 274,999 (Incl. VAT)

XUV300 W8 1.2 Petrol: R 304,999 (Incl. VAT)

XUV300 W8 1.5 Diesel: R 324,999 (Incl. VAT)

All versions of the XUV300 will be offered with a 5-year / 150,000 km warranty and a standard 5-year / 90,000 km service plan and 24/7 standard Roadside Assistance.

The XUV300 comes with an optional Maintenance Plan for period of 5 years / 90,000 km.