Sometimes there is an element of surprise during a car test period when the vehicle steps up above expectation – and the diesel-driven Mahindra XUV300 did just that.
Just by coincidence, the test period aligned with my need to photograph the action at the Billy the Water Memorial Rally. So a road trip happened with the little SUV rushing from stage to stage at the upper end of legal speed limits and transitioning from tar to dirt without blinking (to say nothing of some pothole dodging thrown in for good measure).
Impressive from the onset
One of the standout features of this vehicle is that it allows the driver to adjust the steering feel from the soft, easy twirl needed for parking and rush hour traffic to a Sport option that tightens things up to give a precise response that is almost direct – and necessary on slippery dirt roads.
Equally, it managed to carry levels across the two types of surfaces, making for an overall pleasant ride in a cabin that can sustain long-distance travels, keeping driver and passengers comfortable and backache-free.
Launch and NCAP rating
The Mahindra XUV300 was first launched in 2019 and received a 5-star rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), and this was followed by the local launch in 2021, with the updated version released in 2022.
Engine power and performance
The Carshop.co.za test unit came with the four-cylinder 1,5-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 85,8 kW at 3 750 r/min and 300 Nm in a flat band between 1 500 r/min and 2 500 r/min and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Price-wise, this brings it into contention with the likes of the Honda WR-V 1.2 Elegance, Kia Sonet 1.5 EX auto and Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen manual.
Safety, technology and connectivity
The XUV300 boasts seven crash bags, electronic stability control (ESP), anti-lock brakes with emergency brakeforce distribution, hill start assist, traction control and disk brakes on all four wheels.
Other standard features include ISOFIX seat mounts for child restraints, speed-sensitive door locks, an impact-sensing unlock function that opens doors in the case of a severe accident, a collapsible steering column, pre-tensioners and load limiters on the front seatbelts.
The cabin features a high-output infotainment system, a new 9-inch touch-sensitive screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, accompanied by a navigation system.
While the screen was easy enough to use, it had a conflict between its navigation and music options and the Android from my cell phone, reminding me of the simple switches and dials that once dictated the operation of all the car’s functions.
Fuel consumption
Despite travelling at rapid speeds, the fuel consumption remained well within acceptable limits and, while not matching the 4,8 l/100 km claimed by Mahindra, our average for the trip came in at 5,3 l/100 km giving a tank range of over 600 kilometres.
Luxurious and spacious enough for young families
Luxury items aboard the small family car include a multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry/central locking, power windows all round, rain-sensor wipers, auto-dim interior mirror, twin USB ports, electrically operated and retractable side mirrors, sunroof, rear camera, park distance control and artificial leather seats.
The XUV300 has seating space for five people, provided you do not intend to sit people with nicknames like ‘Os’ or ‘Bees’ in the rear – the main target is young families. It has 259 litres of standard boot space, which is enough for monthly groceries or a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Additionally, it has roof rails fitted as standard.
The rear seats have a split function, allowing great load space at the expense of seating capacity, and it does carry a full-size spare wheel.
Design dimensions
For a small car – 3 995 mm long and 1 825 mm wide – it returned a feeling of confidence by displaying stability on the various road surfaces during the trip, also not exhibiting much body roll during the pothole swerve manoeuvre.
In its class and against its opposition, there is no fault with the Mahindra XUV300, and the choice would come down to simple personal aesthetics.
