By MOTLATSI KEKANA
The market has been flooded with sub compact SUVs lately and Mahindra did not want to be left behind. This segment has had significant growth over the past five years and the Mahindra XUV300 has proven to be quite a worthy competitor.
We got to experience this smaller SUV first hand in Cape Town last week. Built and designed for the younger and young at heart consumer, the XUV300 has certainly got the looks. Fitted with LED tail lamps, Roof spoiler, 16” steel wheels, the XUV300 sure has that “thing”. Mahindra did the unthinkable by equipping XUV300 with a six-speed manual gearbox with two brand new engines, a 1.2 turbo-petrol engine producing 81 kW and a four-cylinder 1.5 litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 85.8 kW, which was what I got to drive on the launch.
Keeping the young peeps happy is simple, Technology! With a stop/start keyless entry and a key that will make you feel like a VIP, Mahindra has also managed to tick this box. The infotainment system is user friendly with USB connectivity, AUX port, you will sure get a number of ways to listen to your favourite music, charge your phone and keep up with the socials with amazing selfies because of the sunroof lighting like I did.
The XUV300 takes aim at the likes of Ford Eco Sport, Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. This will not be an easy task, that’s why Mahindra pulled out all the stops in the safety department. The W8 specification level adds five more airbags – side, curtain and a driver knee airbag to the list totaling to seven 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.
The XUV300 most certainly handles well, did not disappoint when challenged through the meandering routes of the Capes Town Mountains. The soft paddles help! If you are going to be changing gears up and down through hectic city traffic it might as well be pleasant. The CEO of Mahindra Rajesh Gupta said “we have defined ourselves as a challenger brand” and we couldn’t agree more. The XUV300 most certainly challenges the status quo and what was promised on the package is exactly what you will get.
Only time will tell if South African public, usually brand loyal, will look to India for their family car needs.
Model Range and Pricing:
XUV300 W6 1.2 Petrol: R 249 999
XUV300 W6 1.5 Diesel: R 274 999
XUV300 W8 1.2 Petrol: R 304 999
XUV300 W8 1.5 Diesel: R 324 999
