Mahindra XUV300 launched with prices starting at Rs 790,000

Since its reveal at the end of 2018, the Mahindra XUV300 has been one of the most talked-about new launches in recent times. As it should – Mahindra has pulled out all the stops with its latest salvo in the compact SUV space. Not only is the Mahindra XUV300 good-looking, it also brings with it a number of segment-first features and a powerful diesel engine.

Today, Mahindra has launched the XUV300 at a starting price of Rs 790,000 (ex-showroom). The XUV300 diesel starts at Rs 840,000. Its price puts it squarely in the territory dominated by the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza; and the XUV300's fully-loaded W8 (O) variant could even poach some potential Hyundai Creta buyers. Having opened order books at the start of January, Mahindra has already received over 4,000 bookings for the XUV300.

The Mahindra XUV300 is based on the SsangYong Tivoli’s X100 platform, which has been modified and altered to fit within the crucial sub-four-metre length. That said, the XUV300 is still the widest compact SUV on sale and also has the longest wheelbase in its class.

The XUV300 will be available in a total of four variants – W4, W6, W8 and W8 (O). The Mahindra XUV300 will come with segment-leading features such as dual-zone climate control, seven airbags, four disc brakes, a sunroof and a large touchscreen infotainment system. Range-topping variants of the new sub-four-metre SUV will sport HID headlamps with LED DRLs, LED tail-lamps and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Mahindra claims that the model will far exceed Indian safety standards and be counted amongst the best. A point to note here is that the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza are two of the five safest cars under Rs 10 lakh currently on sale in India. It remains to be seen if the XUV300 will join them.

Powering the XUV300 is the same 1.5-litre diesel engine that debuted in the Marazzo, making 117hp and 300Nm of torque; along with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine putting out 110hp and 200Nm of torque. The Mahindra XUV300’s fuel-efficiency figure is pegged at 17kpl for the petrol variant and 20kpl for the diesel variant. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox for now, with an AMT set to be introduced in the XUV300 in the months to come.