India-built compact SUV adopts a larger infotainment system and darkened dash
10 March 2022 - 05:03
byDenis Droppa
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
The XUV300 became the first car in Africa to achieve a maximum five stars in Global NCAP crash tests.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Mahindra SA has introduced minor updates to its XUV300 (pronounced “three-double O”) compact SUV that was launched here in 2019.
The ivory and beige interior of the India-built vehicle has been replaced by a black dashboard and black seat upholstery, after feedback from customers who called for a darker interior with a more upmarket look that attracts fewer smudges when travelling with children.
The darkened dash is still made of hard plastic instead of the classier-feeling soft-touch type, but that’s not unexpected in a budget range priced between R235,000 and R337,000.
A further improvement sees the infotainment system’s display growing from 7 inches to 9 inches, and all models with the touchscreen offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Despite the budget prices the cars are decently kitted in a competitive segment that includes popular models like the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
A more practical darker finish and a larger touchscreen.
Picture: SUPPLIED
The XUV300’s range-topping W8 grade offers high-end items like dual zone climate control, navigation, reversing camera, leather-clad steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor, sunroof, self-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlamps and window wipers, as well as seven airbags.
Standard safety across the six-model range comprises at least two airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes, and ISOFIX seat mounts for child restraints. The XUV300 became the first car in Africa to achieve a maximum five stars in Global NCAP crash tests.
The range continues to offer both petrol and diesel options, and all models are six-speed manuals with front-wheel drive.
The turbo petrol is a 1.2l unit with outputs of 81kW and 200Nm of torque. The turbo diesel is a four-cylinder 1.5l with 85.8kW, and with 300Nm it offers the best torque in its segment. It is also one of the most frugal vehicles in the category with its claimed 4.8l / 100km.
PRICES
XUV300 W4 Petrol — R234,999
XUV300 W4 Petrol SE — R244,999
XUV300 W6 Petrol — R261,999
XUV300 W6 Diesel — R281,999
XUV300 W8 Petrol — R316,999
XUV300 W8 Diesel — R336,999
Pricing includes a five-year/150,000km warranty. The W4 and W4 SE have three-year/50,000km service plans; all other versions have five-year/90,000km service plans.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
LOCAL LAUNCH
Mahindra XUV300 gets a specification boost
India-built compact SUV adopts a larger infotainment system and darkened dash
Mahindra SA has introduced minor updates to its XUV300 (pronounced “three-double O”) compact SUV that was launched here in 2019.
The ivory and beige interior of the India-built vehicle has been replaced by a black dashboard and black seat upholstery, after feedback from customers who called for a darker interior with a more upmarket look that attracts fewer smudges when travelling with children.
The darkened dash is still made of hard plastic instead of the classier-feeling soft-touch type, but that’s not unexpected in a budget range priced between R235,000 and R337,000.
A further improvement sees the infotainment system’s display growing from 7 inches to 9 inches, and all models with the touchscreen offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Despite the budget prices the cars are decently kitted in a competitive segment that includes popular models like the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
The XUV300’s range-topping W8 grade offers high-end items like dual zone climate control, navigation, reversing camera, leather-clad steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor, sunroof, self-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlamps and window wipers, as well as seven airbags.
Standard safety across the six-model range comprises at least two airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes, and ISOFIX seat mounts for child restraints. The XUV300 became the first car in Africa to achieve a maximum five stars in Global NCAP crash tests.
The range continues to offer both petrol and diesel options, and all models are six-speed manuals with front-wheel drive.
The turbo petrol is a 1.2l unit with outputs of 81kW and 200Nm of torque. The turbo diesel is a four-cylinder 1.5l with 85.8kW, and with 300Nm it offers the best torque in its segment. It is also one of the most frugal vehicles in the category with its claimed 4.8l / 100km.
PRICES
XUV300 W4 Petrol — R234,999
XUV300 W4 Petrol SE — R244,999
XUV300 W6 Petrol — R261,999
XUV300 W6 Diesel — R281,999
XUV300 W8 Petrol — R316,999
XUV300 W8 Diesel — R336,999
Pricing includes a five-year/150,000km warranty. The W4 and W4 SE have three-year/50,000km service plans; all other versions have five-year/90,000km service plans.
XUV 300 outpowers the opposition
These were SA’s best selling SUVs in January
The rise and rise of compact SUVs
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Volvo tests wireless electric-car charging
A new era: MotoGP starts this weekend without Rossi
Jeep unveils its first all-electric vehicle
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.