Mahindra recently invited us for a quick look at (and brief spin in) their refreshed XUV300 compact SUV. Here are some of the headlines:
Africa’s safest car
Along with a significant boost to its standard specifications, Mahindra is exceptionally proud to announce that the fresher XUV300 received the full five stars and “Safest Car Ever Tested” title by the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP). This also applies to the local, southern African version.
Some of the crash test scores include 16.42 out of 17 for adult protection, four stars for child protection, and at least “good” or “adequate” ratings for other occupant protection, cabin intrusion or vehicle body deformation.
The XUV300 range has three trim levels but each one is fitted with at least two airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, speed-dependent auto door locks, impact sensing unlocking feature, collapsible steering column, seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters (at the front), ESP (electronic vehicle stability control), ABS (anti-lock brake system) with emergency brake-force distribution and brake discs on all four wheels.
Go for the top-spec “W8” model and you’ll get another five airbags, active corner braking control, panic braking system, hill hold assistance and door exit lights.
Spec upgrade
The 2022 XUV300 range benefits from mostly interior updates, most notably the change from light seat fabric to dark/black material. This is further upgraded to black leatherette for the W8 derivative.
The new infotainment system for these vehicles features a larger screen (up from seven to nine inches) and offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity in vehicles fitted with this device.
Other notable features in this price range include a rear wiper and demister, as well as cruise control.
Luxury features
Buyers of the range-topping W8 model can boast with luxury-car features such as automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel trim, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tyre pressure monitoring system and a sunroof.
Exterior changes
Not wanting to mess with its handsome physique, Mahindra only changed the XUV300’s wheel designs. The vehicle retains its trademark headlights with model-specific daytime running lights, sharp roof line and functional roof racks, as well as a roof mounted spoiler with third brake lamp.
Engines
Buyers will get a choice of either a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (81kW/200Nm) or a brand-new 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel with 86kW or up to 300Nm. Most notably, this impressive torque figure is available between 1,500rpm and 2,500rpm to aid everyday driveability, in-gear flexibility and fuel economy.
How much?
The 1.2T-only W4 starts at a very reasonable ZAR 235,000. W6 costs between 262k (turbo-petrol) and 282k (turbo-diesel) while a W8 retails around ZAR 317,000 or ZAR 337,000 for the 1.2T or 1.5TD respectively.
Our verdict
We took the turbo-diesel W8 for a quick spin along one of our favourite roads and, after getting used to the feather-light controls, noted that the car had a comparably predictable and smooth ride for this class. Power delivery is commendably smooth and we welcome the slick six-speed manual for those long Namibian roads.
Want to find out more? Please visit your nearest Mahindra dealer for a test-drive.
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