By NAKAMPE LEKWADU
In January 2023, Mahindra was named by the Automotive Business Council (also known as Naamsa), as South Africa’s fastest-growing car brand. This is after its 2022 sales volume increased by over 78% compared to 2021. The Indian automaker first achieved this feat in 2019. These accolades tell of the growing appreciation for the brand whose cars induced mixed feelings, largely scorn, when they first arrived here in 2004.
Today, the narrative has changed; more people want Mahindra cars and the new XUV300 is already increasing the love with its attractive looks. The compact SUV has shaken up the market, as the XUV300 is rated among the most well-balanced SUVs in South Africa currently.
The Mahindra XUV300 perfectly fits the bill both as a city slicker and bundu basher on all road conditions. Even when faced with the notorious potholes, the XUV300 rises to the challenge and still retain its grace, thanks to its high ground clearance and high-profile tyres. And even better, the XUV300’s safety features have earned the well-built SUV a 5-star safety rating from the Global NCAP. The safety high mark also earned the XUV300 “safest car in Africa” laurels.
Engine and performance
The Mahindra XUV300 is a fun SUV to drive, with the choice of a turbo diesel or turbo petrol engine, mated with a 6-speed manual box. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is particularly impressive, and offers a segment-leading torque of 300 Nm from 85.8kW power. The petrol model is motorised by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged mStallion petrol engine with power and torque figures of 81kW and 200Nm. Fuel economy is very important, so South African drivers will be happy to know the fuel consumption figures of the Mahindra XUV300 are as impressive as the rest of the vehicle! The hugely economic figures are 6,33L/ 100 km for the petrol engine model and 4.8L/ 100km for the diesel.
Interior Accessories
From its first-in-segment Dual-Zone, fully-automatic temperature control to its electric sunroof – the interior accessories of the XUV300 provide both comfort and ease in all driving conditions. The spacious cabin is packed full of features, and along with an elevated front seating position both driver and passenger will have easy access to some of the smartest accessories in modern motoring. These include Bluesense App with smartwatch and phone connectivity, 9″ Infotainment System (with Bluetooth, Google Maps, WiFi connectivity, Wireless Apple/Android), steering mounted cruise control and leather seats with red stitching.
Exterior Accessories
The XUV300’s exterior accessories are simply marketing tools for the SUV and are already ruffling feathers in the market. Many of the XUV300 features would normally be expected in luxury vehicles priced above the current XUV300 range. One such feature is the first-in-segment Heated Side-View Mirrors, but there are so many more equally impressive Mahindra XUV300 exterior features, including a few interesting features on the Sports Edition:
- Floating roof design
- Dual-tone roof rails
- 16″ alloy wheels* / SE Alloy Wheels**
- LED tail lights
- Projector headlights with Daytime Running Lights*
- LED turn indicators on the side mirrors*
Pricing
XUV300 1.2T W4 R 271,099
XUV300 1.2T W4 SE R 281,099
XUV300 1.2T W6 R296,099
XUV300 1.2T W8 R 358 099
XUV300 1.5TD W6 R 319 099
XUV300 1.5TD W6 SE R 351 599
XUV300 1.5TD W8 R 378 099
With warranty of 5 years/ 150,000km and service plan options of 3 years/ 50,000km and 5 years/ 90,000km.
