Mahindra Brings Safety to the People with Re-fettled XUV300
Being motoring scribes, the most common question we get about cars is, ‘what’s most important when considering a new car’. My response is always simple. Safety. But that’s not always easy, especially in the more price-sensitive niches. Now here’s a thing. Mahindra’s much improved XUV300 gives you 5-star Global NCAP safety for — wait for it — two hundred and thirty five grand!
XUV300 IS FULL 5-STAR NCAP SAFE
The just refreshed XUV300 now comes with a full five-star Global NCAP rating for the entire range. And that includes the bargain entry level W4. The safest African car ever tested by Global NCAP, the Mahindra XUV300 was crash tested and scored five stars in in India. The results were subsequently verified in South Africa.
Global NCAP billed the five star XUV300 as ‘a milestone moment for vehicle safety’. It stressed that the base model was tested. Not just the flagship. Global NCAP put the XUV300 to various side and front-offset crash tests. It scored 16.42 out of a possible 17 points for adult protection. And earned a full five star rating. XUV300 also scored four stars in child protection. It was rated Good or Adequate in occupant protection, cabin intrusion and body deformation.
Every XUV300 gets at least two airbags, pre-tensioner and load limiter front seatbelts, and certified ISOFIX child restrain mounts. Add speed sensitive door locks with impact sensing unlock, a collapsible steering column and ESC ABS anti-skid disc brakes all round and with emergency brakeforce distribution. W8 models gain a further five airbags, including a knee and side curtain bags. Plus dynamic cornering brake control, panic braking and bright door-open lights.Hill Hold Assist too. Remember, that only adds to the W4’s 5-star safety score.
XUV300 IS MORE THAN JUST SAFE
Safety is not the only latest XUV300 plus. All models now get a new dark interior in place of the old ivory and beige trim. Changes to the contemporary Western style cabin are in response to customer demand for a more luxury feel and child friendly practicality. A darker dash design is complemented by black seat upholstery, which is upgraded from cloth to black leatherette. On W8 models get six-way adjustable seats with sculpted backs.
But that’s not all. XUV300 also gets all-new high-output 9” touch-sensitive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment across the range. In place of the 7” system of old. W6 adds cruise control, satnav, and a rear window wiper and demister. And W8 delivers all the luxuries expected from a flagship. From dual zone climate control, to a leather clad steering wheel, auto headlamps and wipers a self-dimming rear-view mirror. Plus a sunroof, drivers seat height adjustment and tyre pressure monitoring. Not bad for this side of R350K!
Built on Mahindra’s global X100 platform, XUV300 carries its larger sibling’s cheetah-inspired design language headlined by dual LED-strip daytime running lights and an aggressive grille. A long wheelbase and short overhangs accentuate its stance. Mahindras have always been quirky, so it fits neatly into a middle SUV market that sits squarely in the quirkier neck of the woods. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the XUV300 is a bit of a mix between an Evoque and a Tiguan.
SPACIOUS AND CRAMMED WITH SPEC TOO
The XUV300 has a thick-rimmed two-mode Comfort and Sport Smart height-adjustable multifunction power steering wheel, and a large tachometer and speedometer. XUV 300 retains exceptional room for driver and passengers. There are 60:40 folding rear seats and the luggage compartment can be extended vertically. It has three height settings and near-flat luggage floor. It comes in the choice of an 81 kW 200 Nm three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol, or an 86 kW 300 Nm four-cylinder turbodiesel Mahindra engines.
XUV300 packs an impressive 5-year/150 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and 24/7 standard Roadside Assistance and an optional Maintenance Plan for a period of 5 year/90 000km Maintenance Plan.
“The Mahindra XUV300 has always been a no-compromise compact SUV,” Mahindra SA boss Rajesh Gupta concluded. “The base model has every important convenience feature. “Our W8 flagship comes with far more than could ever be expected a vehicles in this segment. “So, not only is the XUV300 a dynamic and rewarding car to drive, but it offers a level of comfort and luxury not common in this segment but, of course, it is now also South Africa’s safest vehicle too.”
MAHINDRA XUV300 — SAFETY FAST
The impressive and contemporary new Mahindra XUV300 continues ever safer in a fiercely contested market. Now bearing five-star safety across the board, expect this bargain SUV to cut a significant slice of that pie for itself. So much so that I’d suggest you found out where your local Mahindra dealership is, and go take a good look for yourself… – Michele Lupini
Mahindra XUV300 Pricing 1.2T W4 R235K 1.2T W4 SE R245K 1.2T W6 R262K 1.5TD W6 R282K 1.2T W8 R317K 1.5TD W8 R337K
