In a move to extend exhilarating performance to a wider audience, Mahindra has also introduced the W4 TurboSport variant, equipped with the sporty, high-performance 1.2 L mStallion TGDi petrol engine. Previously, this powertrain was exclusive to variants from W6 onwards. Now, with the W4 TurboSport, thrillennial buyers can experience the thrill of 0-60 km/h in 5 seconds, courtesy 230 Nm of torque and 96 kW of power.

In addition, Mahindra has enhanced the W4 variant line with a sunroof, available on both petrol and diesel models. This further solidifies the XUV300's position as a sporty SUV offering maximum value, performance, and features to enthusiasts.

Unveiling an exciting enhancement to the W4 variant, the XUV300 now presents a wide range of choice between two robust engines - the 1.2 L Turbo Petrol and the sporty 1.2 L mStallion TGDi. This added selection grants customers the freedom to tailor their XUV300 according to their preferences and needs.

Moreover, the XUV300 offers a diverse range of two distinctive exterior and interior options, allowing customers to create a personalized and stylish compact SUV that truly reflects their unique taste and lifestyle.

The XUV300 TurboSport is Mahindra's SUV to be powered by an all-new 1.2 L mStallion TGDi engine that boasts of unrivalled performance. It produces 130 PS of power @ 5000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque @ 1500-3750 rpm, making it not only the fastest ICE SUV under Rs15
lakh but also superior to 1.5 L engine capabilities offered in some of the higher segments.

The Mahindra XUV300 TGDi comes in exciting four new colour options - 3 new dual-tone colors - Blazing Bronze with a black rooftop, Napoli Black with a white rooftop, Pearl White with a black rooftop and Blazing Bronze in monotone. Existing monotone Pearl White and Napoli Black continue to be offered with this variant.

The new sporty design elements like red grille inserts, all-black ORVMs, all-black leatherette interiors, chrome-finish pedals and dual-tone exteriors bring in high performance from every aspect of the car while keeping it true to its performance DNA.

The Mahindra XUV300 TGDi will be available for test drives, bookings and deliveries starting 10th October 2022 across India. Details of the booking process will be available on the official website.

Mahindra XUV700 received the highest combined occupant safety rating of any car tested in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForIndia campaign. It achieved a five-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection and four stars for child occupant protection.

Packing an unmissable presence, sci-fi technology, spirited performance, world-class safety and a tough yet sophisticated drive experience, the disruptive XUV700 has redefined the segment benchmarks. Available with multiple powertrain options and seating configurations, customers can choose from the widest range of offerings in this segment.

Global NCAP launched the ‘Safer Choice’ Award challenge at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2018. To qualify for the coveted award a car model must meet all of the following requirements:

• The model must achieve a 5-star score for Adult Occupant Protection in accordance with the latest version of the Global NCAP New Market Test protocol.
• The model must achieve at least a 4-star result in Child Occupant Protection in accordance with latest version of the Global NCAP New Market Test protocol.
• The model must offer Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and meet performance requirements according to United Nations Regulations UN13H, UN140 or GTR9. Where optional, ESC must be available on all the model variants, sold separately without any ‘bundling’ with other features, and as from 2 years onwards must be a standard fit to at least 20% of the sales volume in the country.
• The model must meet Pedestrian Protection requirements according to United Nations Regulations UN127 or GTR9. which must be validated on market units at a Global NCAP designated testing laboratory.
• Conformity with all these requirements must be validated at a Global NCAP designated laboratory and by the provision of type approval certificates where applicable.

The video of the Mahindra XUV300 crossing a river has been uploaded by All in One Entertainment on YouTube. We can see in the video that a man is standing in the river who is guiding the driver, making it easier for the latter to position the vehicle’s wheels. Luckily the river is not very deep, and the XUV300 does well to cross it without any issues and didn’t lose traction anywhere despite being an FWD vehicle.

Also Read : Kia Seltos Vs Mahindra XUV300 Tug Of War, Who Wins? - VIDEO

However, just because this particular Mahindra XUV300 crossed the river successfully doesn’t mean you should do it as well. Subcompact SUVs are more commonly known globally as crossovers or soft-roaders. This is because, unlike a full-bore SUV which comes with a 4x4 system and/or locking differentials, most crossovers are only front-wheel-driven and are not designed to do anything more than very light off-roading.

Furthermore, there are electrical components and wiring in the engine that can malfunction or short circuit upon touching the water. This may lead you to get stranded in the middle of the river itself, not to mention replacing a vehicle’s electricals are among the most expensive repair jobs.

Coming to the vehicle itself, The Mahindra XUV300 is priced between Rs 7.95 and Rs 13.09 lakh, ex-showroom. The subcompact SUV is available with two engine options, 1 petrol and 1 diesel. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol makes 110 PS of peak power and best-in-class torque figures of 200 Nm. The oil-burner is a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel that churns out max power and torque figures 120 PS and 300 Nm, respectively. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

Mahindra XUV300

The Mahindra XUV300 operates in the hotly contested sub-compact SUV segment in India and has returned respectable sales figures for the company. The top-spec variant of the car comes with segment-first features including seven airbags, dual-zone climate control with memory function, front parking sensors, heated mirrors, and disc brakes for all four wheels. Other noteworthy features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, cruise control, push-button start, leather seats, hill hold function and a seven-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring tech and navigation.

Mechanically, the car is powered by two engine options that come in the form of a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol unit delivers 109bhp and 200Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the oil burner outputs 115bhp and 300Nm of torque. In the domestic market, the XUV300 locks horns with a few of the best selling cars in India including the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Tata Nexon.

Also Read : Best Tata Cars You Can Buy in India Under INR 10 Lakh - Altroz, Nexon and More

Tata Nexon

In its latest update, the Tata Nexon got minor cosmetic changes that have majorly affected its persona. As with the electric version of the SUV, this one gets a revised hood for jacked-up muscularity, a tweaked grille, sharper headlamps with tri-arrow pattern DRLs and a new lower grille as well. The car sits on a set of new alloy wheels which adds more character, while its revised LED tail lamps give it a distinct look. In terms of safety, the Nexon boasts of a five-star NCAP safety rating ensuring owners and prospective buyers of a very safe car. This is backed up by a safety suite of dual-airbags, hill-hold assist, roll-over mitigation, ABS with EBD, traction control and more.

In its top-rung variant, the Tata Nexon gets features like engine push-start button, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc. Remarkably, it now gets added features like a digital instrument cluster, TPMS and a much-in-demand sunroof. Also, a notable addition in the new Nexon is the carmaker has come up with a new ‘Xpress Cool’ button owing to the hot and humid climatic conditions in India. In terms of powertrain, the Nexon gets a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 118bhp and 170Nm of torque. Transmission options for the engine include a 6-speed manual and an AMT. Alongside the petrol powertrains, also available is an oil burner that outputs 108bhp and 260Nm of torque. Transmission option on offer includes a manual and an AMT unit.

Renault Triber

The Renault Triber scored a four-star safety rating in the adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating in child occupancy protection at Global NCAP, making it the safest 7-seater tested to date in the mass segment in India. In its base-spec trim, the Triber comes equipped with two airbags, a seatbelt reminder system, speed alert warning, rear parking sensors and ABS with EBD. However, if you opt for top-spec trim of the Triber, you also get speed sensing door lock and impact sensing door unlock features along with two additional side airbags, taking the total count up to class leading 4 airbags in its top-spec trim.

14Earlier this year, the French carmaker has updated the Triber sub-compact MPV with a few subtle upgrades for the 2021 model year. These upgrades include the addition of new dual-tone colors on the top-spec RXZ trim and some new features on the inside as well. Powering the 7-seater MPV is the BR10 1.0-litre Dual VVT petrol engine. The naturally aspirated three-cylinder mill produces maximum power of 72hp at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 96 Nm at 3,500 rpm. For transmission duties, there is either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz was introduced as the brand’s first-ever premium hatchback that goes against players like the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. In terms of features, the top-of-the-line XZ trim gets keyless entry and start, electric ORVMs, and cruise control. Also on offer are flat-bottom, tilt-adjustable steering with controls for audio and voice commands. The driver’s seat is height adjustable. There’s a single zone digital climate control system with rear AC vents along with a Harman touchscreen multimedia system complete with Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay.

In terms of powertrain, the car gets two petrol as well as one diesel engine option. The petrol engine comes in the form of a 1.2-litre unit that outputs 85 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. There's also a 1.2L turbo-petrol engine that puts out 110hp and 140Nm of torque. The diesel, on the other hand, is a 1.5-litre engine that delivers 89 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. Tata is offering a sole manual transmission option throughout the range. Also, Altroz could soon get a DCT gearbox, brand's first dual clutch gearbox.

Also Read : Top 5 Upcoming MPVs in India- Toyota-badged Maruti Ertiga to Hyundai Staria

Tata Tiago

In its most recent update, the Tata Tiago got quite a few comprehensive updates over its predecessor. On the outside, the hatchback gets new front bumper, headlamps and a new grille. In addition to this, the car also gets dual-tone alloy wheels, a black roof and black ORVMs with turn indicators.

On the inside, the new Tiago gets a mild update over its predecessor for freshness. The most major update of which is a fully digital instrument cluster as well as a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside other connectivity options like USB and AUX-IN. In terms of powertrain, the Tiago gets a BS-VI compliant 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 84bhp and 113Nm of torque. The engine can be had in both five-speed manual and five-speed AMT options.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

On its way to the only-petrol iteration, Maruti Suzuki kept the exterior updates to a bare minimum. The Brezza’s nose now has a generous dose of chrome on its grille, which is complemented by a pair of projector headlamps and LED DRLs. The Vitara Brezza is a slightly bigger car than the Kiger at 3,995mm long, 1,790mm wide 1,640 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,500mm. Dominating the dash is the large 7-inch touchscreen ‘Smartplay studio’ system, below which there is an uncluttered layout of sleek air-con controls and the USB, AUX and charging ports. Also, plastic quality remains the same, which is acceptable for this segment (Hyundai Venue sets the segment standard).

In terms of safety, the car comes with features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. While the pre-facelift Vitara Brezza was offered with a diesel engine, the facelifted SUV comes with a 1.5-litre petrol unit. This engine puts out 105PS of power and 138Nm of torque. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission option or a 4-speed AT gearbox. The Vitara Brezza is offered with a 2WD system. Prices for the Maruti Vitara Brezza starts at INR 7.39 lakh (ex-showroom) for the LXI variant.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such listicles and other four-wheeler news.

Also Read- Maruti Ciaz Vs Kia Seltos Drag Race, Who Wins? - VIDEO

The video of this tug of war between the Kia Seltos and Mahindra XUV300 has been uploaded by Arun Panwar on YouTube. The first round begins and the Mahindra easily pulls the Kia, the latter spinning its wheels in search of traction. During the second and third rounds, the rope kept on breaking. After fixing the issues, the fourth round concluded in a draw as both SUVs couldn’t find any traction to pull the other one.

For the fifth round, the SUVs compete on the tarmac for better grip. However, the rope broke again and was replaced with a metal chain. The XUV300 won this round as it dragged the Seltos first. The sixth round sees the Seltos winning as the XUV300 wasn’t able to find enough traction. For the seventh and final round, the drivers were changed. The Mahindra SUV won it by dragging the Kia first and emerged as the overall winner.

Coming to the SUVs, prices for the Kia Seltos range from INR 9.95 lakh for the base HTE G trim and go up to INR 17.65 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully-loaded GTX+ variant. It is available with 3 engine choices of two petrol and one diesel motor. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol mill produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of peak power and torque figures and can be paired with a manual or IVT. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, on the other hand, makes 140 PS and 242 Nm and can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel churns out power and torque figures 115 PS and 250 Nm, respectively, and you have the option of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto transmission.

Also Read- Kia Seltos Diesel - Automatic vs Manual Drag Race

The Mahindra XUV300 is priced between INR 7.95 and INR 13.09 Lakh (ex-showroom). There are two powertrain choices on offer. The first one is a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol which makes 110 PS of peak power and best-in-class torque figures of 200 Nm. The oil-burner is a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel that churns out max power and torque figures 120 PS and 300 Nm, respectively. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed manual.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

The Mahindra XUV400 is destined to don the same front-end as the XUV300. However, Mahindra will revise it for a distinctive appeal.  The Indian UV giant has earlier followed this approach with the TUV300 and TUV300 Plus. On the sides, the Mahindra XUV300 will look more proportionate than the short-tail XUV300. The overall increment in the length will come from the extended rear overhang. The Mahindra XUV400 will utilise the increased cabin space for an extra row of seats, unlike the SsangYong Tivoli XLV. Also, expect Mahindra to offer a different design of alloy wheels for the new 7-seater compact-SUV. Around the rear, the changes will include a redesigned fascia with the use of a resculpted bumper and a new boot lid.

On the inside, the Mahindra XUV400 will feature a similar dashboard as the XUV300. A different colour scheme, however, is likely to be on the cards. The added third-row will increase the practicality, but it will reduce the boot space, which is already negligible on the XUV300. The XUV300 comes loaded to the gills, and in its 7-seat avatar, it will come with a few extra features. The list is likely to see the addition of third-row AC vents, functional roof rails and more. As of now, the XUV300’s equipment list includes two-zone climate control, steering modes, touchscreen infotainment unit, steering-mounted controls for audio and cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and more.

Talking of the powertrain, engine options on the Mahindra XUV400 will include a 1.5L mStallion turbo-petrol motor and a 1.5L oil burner. The former will produce a peak power output of 161 Hp, while the latter will develop 121 Hp. The gearbox options will include a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed AMT.

Starting with the Mahindra Scorpio, you can enjoy benefits of up to INR 36,542 for March 2021. This includes a cash discount of INR 7,042, an exchange bonus of INR 15,000 and a corporate offer of INR 4,500. Mahindra is also offering an additional cash discount of INR 10,000. Moving over to the Bolero, Mahindra's bread and butter utility vehicle is available with maximum benefits of up to INR 17,500. This includes cash offer, exchange offer and corporate offer of INR 3,500, INR 10,000 and INR 4,000, respectively.

Also Read : 2021 Mahindra XUV300 Spied On Test - Could This Be The XUV300 Sportz?

It is Mahindra's flagship Alturas G4 SUV that can be had with maximum benefits of up to INR 3.06 lakh. Mahindra is offering a flat cash discount of INR 2.2 lakh on the Alturas G4 for March 2021. Additionally, there's an exchange bonus and corporate offer of up to INR 50,000 and INR 16,000, respectively. Mahindra is also offering additional benefits of up to INR 20,000 on the Alturas G4 this month.

Moving over to the Mahindra XUV500, the SUV is listed on the website with benefits of up to INR 85,800. This includes a cash discount of up to INR 36,800, an exchange benefit of up to INR 25,000 and a corporate offer of INR 9,000. Other than this, Mahindra is also offering additional offers of up to INR 15,000. Meanwhile, the KUV100 NXT is available with total benefits of up to INR 62,055. This includes a cash discount of INR 38,055, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and corporate offer of INR 4,000.

Moving on to what is Mahindra's one of the more popular vehicles, the XUV300 sub-compact SUV is available with maximum discounts of up to INR 39,325. This comprises a cash discount of INR 4,825, an exchange bonus of INR 25,000 and a corporate discount of INR 4,500. Customers can also avail additional offers of up to INR 5,000. Lastly, the Marazzo MPV is listed with benefits of up to INR 36,000. That includes a cash discount and an exchange bonus of up to INR 15,000 each. Mahindra is also offering other benefits of up to INR 6,000 on the MPV.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

The biggest highlight of the XUV300 Sportz is what lies under its hood. It employs Mahindra's 1.2-litre mStallion turbocharged direct injection three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 130 hp at 5,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1,500-3,750 rpm. With this, the XUV300 will dethrone the Ford EcoSport (with 123 hp 1.5L petrol engine) to become the new most powerful sub-4 metre SUV in India. It will be offered with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Also Read : Mahindra XUV300 Petrol-AMT vs Diesel-AMT - Acceleration Comparison 

This spied test mule can be seen wearing partial camouflage, hiding most design details. However, from the model showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, we know the XUV300 Sportz will look almost identical to the regular model. It, however, did flaunt its performance-oriented character with sporty decals on the bonnet and the door panels. It even came with red brake calipers. The rest of the design, including the 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, is absolutely identical to the regular model.

On the inside, the cabin of the XUV300 Sportz is differentiated by all-black interior theme as opposed to the dual-tone black and beige theme on the regular model. It also came with red highlights on the dashboard and steering wheel and contrast red stitching on the upholstery. The XUV300 Sportz will likely be based on the top-spec trims and, therefore, will come with all the bells and whistles as in the standard XUV300. Some highlights include auto headlamps, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and go, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7 airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, a rear view camera and more.

Incidentally, this 1.2L mStallion turbo-petrol engine was also slated to make its way under the hood of the Ford EcoSport. However, since the joint venture between Ford and Mahindra was called off, all projects under the JV have been put on hold. As for the XUV300 Sportz, it is expected to hit showrooms around mid-2021 and will likely be priced from around INR 12 lakh (ex-showroom).

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Image Source - Instagram]

Speaking of being fun-to-drive, we thought of putting the new XUV300 petrol-AMT through its paces to see how quick it accelerates from 0-100 kph. And in doing so, we also thought of comparing it with the diesel-AMT to see which of the two is actually faster. So here in this video, we are doing exactly that. Here's an acceleration comparison of the Mahindra XUV300 petrol-AMT vs diesel-AMT. But first, here's a quick look at the specifications.

Mahindra XUV300 Petrol-AMT vs Diesel-AMT - Specifications Comparison

A look at the specifications reveal that the XUV300 diesel is both more powerful and produces a lot more torque than the turbo-petrol engine. The diesel engine is also of a larger capacity than the turbo-petrol engine. Peak power and torque are produced lower in the rev range for the diesel engine than in the turbo-petrol unit. All these factors should help the XUV300 diesel get off the line quicker than the turbo-petrol variant. The 6-speed AMT gearbox remains the same in both cases. Let's see how they perform in the real world.

Also Read : Maruti Vitara Brezza vs Hyundai Venue vs Nissan Magnite - Acceleration Comparo

Mahindra XUV300 Petrol-AMT vs Diesel-AMT - Acceleration Comparison

The real world performance of both the variants are vastly different from what the specs on paper may suggest. The XUV300 petrol-AMT comes out on top in all three runs and that's despite down in specs by a fair margin. The best run achieved by the petrol-AMT was at 13.83 seconds, while the diesel-AMT managed a best time of 15.32 seconds. If you carefully notice the acceleration runs in the video, you will see that the diesel-AMT gets off the line marginally quicker - thanks to the extra torque that comes lower down the rev range - but the petrol-AMT suit catches up and leaves it lagging behind.

That said, the AMT gearbox on the XUV300 is not the best in this segment. There is noticeable lag that's felt in both upshifts and downshifts. If the fun-to-drive factor is top priority for you, we'd suggest you go for the manual variant. You can achieve quicker 0-100 kph times with the manual gearbox in both petrol and diesel variants. The XUV300 rivals the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and others in the sub-compact SUV space.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

2021 Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT Review – Exterior

Design-wise, the Mahindra XUV300 is a handsome-looking car. However, the rear-end isn’t the most gorgeous of the lot, as Mahindra had to trim the original car (SsangYong Tivoli here) to make the XUV300 fit in the sub-4m bracket. On the front, it sports a good-looking nose. Thanks to the slim radiator grille, which is flanked by sleek headlamps. Also, Mahindra has sensibly used chrome here, and hence, the XUV300’s front facet is one of the most attractive ones in the segment.

Moving towards the sides, Mahindra XUV300 shows off its long hood and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Moreover, the chunky wheel arches add the right amount of heft to the XUV300’s side profile. From the sides, the rear-end feels upright and disproportionate. However, it doesn’t look all that odd when viewed from the right direction. The taillamps seem to be inspired by a Maserati of the modern era. Also, there are enough creases to break the visual bulk.

Talking of the changes that Mahindra XUV300’s petrol trim get with the AutoSHIFT gearbox, it is the ‘AutoSHIFT’ badge itself, which sits on the tailgate. While this badge will differentiate the manual variants from their automatic counterparts, it isn’t a big change by any means. Mahindra could’ve used a different design for the alloy wheels here to freshen up the things a bit.

2021 Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT Review – Interior

With the introduction of the new AutoSHIFT gearbox, the Mahindra XUV300 gets a handful of changes on the inside. The first and foremost is the new gear lever. Okay, this is obvious. But what’s not obvious is the addition of the BlueSense connected car suite. Mahindra has now started to offer the XUV300 with its new connected car tech, which aids the user with accessibility to the car’s odometer reading, fuel level, engine oil level, and some location-based functions via a smartphone or a smartwatch. The owners can use the geofencing technique to limit the car’s use in a designated area only. Also, the AutoSHIFT badge on the Mahindra XUV300 will come along with an electronic sunroof. The option of this AMT gearbox will be available on the W6 and W8(O) variants. And these trims will now have the electronic sunroof as a standard fitment.

While these changes have added a sense of fresh air in the Mahindra XUV300’s cabin, this sub-4m compact-SUV is quite a loaded car. It comes equipped with dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, steering modes, cruise control and more. Furthermore, it is the safest Indian-made car. The Mahindra XUV300 boasts of a 5-star Global-NCAP crash test rating. It gets a slew of safety aids on-board, such as ABS with EBD, ESP, TPMS, front & rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, front & rear disc brakes, seatbelt alarm, high-speed alert and more.

2021 Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT Review – Engine & Gearbox

Is this the most important chapter of this review? Yes! It is indeed. The biggest change that the Mahindra XUV300 gets with the AutoSHIFT badge is the new engine-gearbox combination. Till now, the petrol variants of the Mahindra XUV300 were available with a manual gearbox only. Now with the AutoSHIFT badge, enters a new 6-speed AMT gearbox. It is designed to make the life of an urban driver easy. Well, it surely does its job of doing so. The new AMT gearbox has reduced a pedal from the driver’s footwell. Thus, driving the Mahindra XUV300 comes up as a wee-bit easier task now.

The AMT box is quite apt at doing its job, but only when the driver’s inputs are docile. A strong prod to the A-pedal gets the gearbox confused. It isn’t meant for an enthusiastic run. However, dwelling around the crowded roads of a congested city is what it is designed to do at its best. The shifts feel smooth when the Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT is attended sedately. Even a little enthusiasm makes things go haywire from the gearbox’s side.

While it does get a manual mode, there’s not much of a difference to be observed with that engaged. The shifts feel slow and come in to effect with a jerk. The positive attribute of this gearbox, however, is its way of being nonsense-ly smooth when driven with a gentle foot. Also, it doesn’t get any manual gear lock as seen on other automatic cars. Mahindra folks have played a rather smart move here, as it gets an electronic gear lock, which engages automatically when the speed increases to over 5 kmph. The tap-to-engage function feels visually-appealing as the gear lever gets back to its place, but it makes you look at the instrument console to know which gear you are in. Nevertheless, this engine-gearbox combination feels faster than its diesel counterpart.

2021 Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT Review – Ride & Handling

Mahindra XUV300’s strong attribute has been its ride and handling. With the longest wheelbase in its class of 2,600 mm, it boasts of great straight-line stability. The agility, however, isn’t a compromised affair either. It is quick at making a change in direction without much resistance. The poise continues to stay intact when attempting a tight bend. Also, the body roll is well-controlled. To ensure that everyone has their own setting for the steering wheels, Mahindra XUV300 comes with 3 modes for the steering wheel – Normal, Comfort, Sport. In the Comfort mode, it feels quite light and over-assisted, whereas the Sport mode invites some hustle while making manoeuvres, but with improved feel and feedback. The Normal mode is actually a perfect balance between the two.

The brakes on the Mahindra XUV300 AutoShift feel great too. With disc brakes on all ends, there’s enough stopping power at disposal. However, at slow speeds, the system feels grabby as it reacts quite aggressively to the lightest of the inputs. Talking of the suspension system of the Mahindra XUV300, it comprises of McPherson struts with anti-roll bars at the front and a twist-beam with coil springs at the rear. While this system aids it with appreciable dynamics, the XUV300 absorbs bumps and road undulations with quite some ease. Also, the 205 mm ground clearance helps a lot when going through bad roads or encountering a tall speed breaker.

2021 Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT Review – Verdict

Also Read - Here's Your Clearest Look At Next-Gen Mahindra Scorpio Yet

The petrol-powered Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT is priced at INR 9.95 lakh for the W6 trim and INR 11.76 lakh for the W8(O) trim. It is an increment of INR 55,000 and INR 64,000 over the manual counterparts of the W6 and W8(O) trims, respectively. With the addition of a sunroof in the W6 trim along with the AMT unit, the premium of INR 55,000 feels justified. The W8(O) trim, however,  feels comparably expensive. But with these prices, the Mahindra XUV300 AutoSHIFT with the petrol motor is a great value-for-money proposition. In fact, it comes up as an appealing option in the sub-4m compact-SUV space with its long feature list and best-in-class safety rating.

Mahindra XUV300 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.7 lakh*

The Mahindra XUV300 diesel is not only the most powerful car in the segment but also has the maximum torque output which makes it an extremely fun-to-drive and capable machine. It gets a 1.5L oil burner which can deliver 116.6 PS of max power while the peak torque output happens to be 300 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Having said that, the XUV300 also remains one of the best cars in the market under INR 20 lakh* in terms of overall comfort and driving dynamics.

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 11.64 lakh*

A 1.5L diesel motor powers the Mahindra Marazzo. This engine churns out 122 PS and 300 Nm of peak torque output. With the ex-showroom price of the car starting from just INR 11.64 lakh, the Marazzo is definitely a value for money product which comes with an extremely practical and useful package. It also happens to be the only 7-seater SUV in our list.

Tata Nexon Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.45 lakh*

The Tata Nexon is currently one of the safest Made In India cars. It is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that puts out 110 PS and 260 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the buyers can also opt for the optional AMT unit. The car also comes with multiple drive modes to make it more suitable for different driving conditions.

Also Read : Top 10 Most Powerful Cars In India Under INR 12 Lakh - IAB Picks

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.87 lakh*

With the launch of the Renault Duster BS6, the brand introduced the new 1.3L turbo petrol engine which delivers 156 PS while the torque output is claimed to be 254 Nm. The power and torque output figures make the Duster one of the most powerful turbo cars available in the market under INR 20 lakh* bracket.

Kia Sonet Diesel

Starting Price: INR 10.39 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment and is offered with four different engine options which also include a 1.5L WGT diesel unit. This engine churns out 115 PS. The peak torque output on the other hand happens to be 250 Nm. The Kia Sonet boasts a premium in-cabin experience and is also available with several features which give it a clear edge over its rivals.

Hyundai Venue Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.28 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is one of the best selling SUVs in the market and comes with an extensive feature list in addition to powerful and refined engine options. The Venue diesel is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that churns out 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai i20 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Hyundai launched the new i20 in the market a few months ago and the car is now offered with many upgrades which make it a great package. The i20 diesel variant is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine which also powers the Venue and is claimed to produce 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has a strong mid-range which makes it a dependable highway companion.

Ford Ecosport Diesel

Starting price: INR 9.99 lakh*

For those who are looking for a well-built and a fun-to-drive car, the Ford Ecosport will be a great option. The car is powered by the tried and tested 1.5L TDCi motor which boasts supreme driveability and long term reliability. This engine delivers 100 PS while the maximum torque output stands at 215 Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox comes mated to this engine and there is no automatic on offer.

Also Read : Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Ford Figo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 7.74 lakh*

Just like the Ecosport, the Figo is also powered by the same 1.5L TDCi engine that puts up 100 PS and 215 Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Ford Figo is not only one of the most affordable diesel cars in the market right now but is also one of the most practical and fun-to-drive cars on sale in India. It has superior driving dynamics to most of the other cars and delivers a claimed fuel economy of 25 kmpl which makes it a practical choice in our list.

Ford Freestyle Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 100 PS and 215 Nm respectively, the Ford Freestyle is a practical and capable vehicle. In addition to great build quality, the Freestyle is also offered with a spacious and comfortable cabin while the beefed-up suspension makes it suitable for rough usage as well.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and latest four-wheeler news.

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 11.14 lakh*

The new Renault Duster comes with a 1.3-L turbocharged petrol engine which makes 156 PS and 254 Nm of maximum torque. This engine can be had with a manual as well as a CVT gearbox and has a strong mid-range, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the segment. Being a turbocharged engine, this engine does struggle at low RPMs but as the tachometer climbs, the surge in the power delivery is commendable.

Ford Ecosport Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Powering the Ford Ecosport is the 1.5-L three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine, which is not just refined and smooth, but is also one of the most powerful engines in the segment. This engine has impressed us with its supreme low-end power delivery and highway performance, hence making it a great choice for those who are looking for a practical and a fun to drive compact SUV. For those wondering, the peak power output from this engine stands at 122 PS while the peak torque output is 149 Nm. This engine can be had with a 5-speed manual while the buyers can also opt for the optional 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 12.03 lakh*

We have a limited range of products in the MPV segment and the Mahindra Marazzo is definitely one of the most capable and affordable cars in the market. The car gets a 1.5-L diesel engine producing 122 Ps and 300 Nm of peak torque output, making it a powerful highway companion. This engine is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In addition to this, the Marazzo is the only car in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under Rs 12 Lakh which comes with three rows of seating.

Honda City 5th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.99 lakh*

Honda introduced the new DOHC 1.5-L i-VTEC engine in the new Honda City which delivers 121 Ps while the torque output remains similar to the outgoing model at 145 Nm. This naturally aspirated engine not only has a high power output but also provides a great combination of efficiency and practicality to the buyers. On the downside though, the new City petrol struggles with poor low-end and healthy power output only available after you hit the mid-range.

Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.79 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment which also has cars like the Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300, etc and is offered as an attractive and a feature rich product. The Sonet can be had with a turbo petrol engine that delivers 120 Ps and 172 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a DCT and iMT gearbox. The buyers can alternatively buy the 115 PS diesel version of the car as well if the monthly usage is high.

Hyundai Venue Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.73 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is the most affordable SUV in the Korean carmaker’s line-up and is offered as a VFM product with a long and extensive features list as well as powerful engine options. The turbocharged petrol engine powering the Venue produces 120 Ps of maximum power output. The peak torque on the other hand stands at around 171 Nm while the gearboxes on offer include manual as well as a DCT automatic gearbox. The powerful car looks funky and fresh and is a great product for those who need a practical urban car.

Also Read: Best Budget Hyundai Cars In India With The Highest Diesel Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai i20 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.81 lakh*

The new Hyundai i20 boasts phenomenal driving dynamics when compared to the outgoing model and is now offered as a much better package. The brand is also offering a more powerful version of the car which gets a 1.0-L t-GDi motor that puts out 120 Ps and 171 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with manual as well as with a DCT gearbox.

Tata Nexon Turbo Petrol

Starting price: INR 7.19 lakh*

With a safety crash test rating of five stars out of five, the Tata Nexon is a great choice for buyers looking for a comfortable and a safe vehicle for everyday usage. The turbo petrol powering the Nexon churns out 120 Ps while the peak torque output stands at 170 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual as well with an AMT gearbox. While the power delivery from this engine is decent, it is the refinement that could have been improved with the launch of the new facelift model.

Honda City 4th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.29 lakh*

The 4^th gen City is still on sale in the Indian market and can only be had with the 1.5-L i-VTEC engine that delivers 119 PS and 145 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and is considered to be a great choice for hardcore driving enthusiasts.

Mahindra XUV300 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 7.95 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 122 Ps and 149 Nm respectively, the Mahindra XUV300 left me impressed with its supreme driving dynamics and comfortable ride quality. The XUV300 is also the safest made in India car and has a GNCAP rating of 5 stars. Mahindra also recently launched an automatic gearbox option with the petrol engine of the XUV300.

With this being said, what do you think about the cars in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under INR 12 lakh*? Do let us know in the comments box below.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and the latest four-wheeler news.

Just like the diesel-AMTs, Mahindra is offering the petrol-automatic engine configuration on the mid-spec W6 and top-spec W8 variants. The 1.2L petrol engine on the XUV300 produces 110hp and 200Nm of peak torque. As with the automatic gearbox with the diesel engine, the petrol-automatic variants of the XUV300 now additionally come with features such as a creep function, adaptive pedal response, tap to switch, manual mode and hill-hold assist, features not offered on the petrol-manual variants.

Also Read : India-Made Mahindra XUV300 Is Africa's First 5-Star Safety Rated Car

Mahindra has also equipped the top-spec W8(O) AMT variant with Mahindra's new BlueSense Plus connected technology. The system is divided into five broad categories - remote vehicle controls, location-based functions, safety and security, vehicle alerts and miscellaneous functions - all of which give you 40+ features. Another major update on the XUV300 has been the addition of an electric sunroof on the mid-spec W6 and W8 variants. Previously, it was only available with the top-spec W8(O) variant.

With the addition of the sunroof, the mid-spec W6 trim is now priced at INR 9.4 lakh (ex-showroom), about INR 27,000 more than before. Mahindra has also added two new dual-tone color options on the top-spec W8(O) AMT variant - Red/White and Aquamarine/White. Meanwhile, the manual W6, W8 and W8(O) variants also get a new Galaxy Grey colour option.

The Mahindra XUV300 is equipped with features such as auto headlamps, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and go, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite navigation, 7 airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, a rear view camera and more.  Bookings for the petrol AMT have commenced, with deliveries set to begin later this month. The XUV300 rivals the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and other in the sub-compact SUV space.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

The Mahindra XUV300 had secured a score of 16.42 out of 17 in adult occupant protection. The report stated that the SUV offered good protection to the head, neck and legs of both the driver and passenger. Chest and knee protection for the passenger was also rated as good. However, protection to the driver’s chest and right knee was rated adequate. In fact, the body shell and footwell area of the XUV300 were both rated stable after crash. They could even withstand further loading. These assessment and reports are identical to the India-spec XUV300.

Also Read : Here's Why Waiting Period On The Mahindra Thar Is Soaring So High

The XUV300 boasts of the highest adult occupant protection scores and overall Global NCAP score by any India-spec model ever tested by Global NCAP. As for child occupancy protection, the XUV300 scored 37.44 out of 49, thus securing a  four-star safety rating. The XUV300 comes equipped with ISOFIX seat mounts in the rear and a child restraint system which provided good protection to the 3-month and 18-month-old child dummies. However, the lack of three-point seatbelts in all seats deprived the XUV300 of a 5-star rating in child occupancy protection.

The Africa-spec XUV300 that was tested by Global NCAP comes equipped with safety features such as dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 4-channel ABS, ISOFIX anchorages, and driver and passenger front seatbelt reminders as standard. The XUV300 also gets the option of manually deactivating the passenger airbag in case a rear-facing child seat needs to be mounted on the passenger seat.

The XUV300 was tested under #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign which was launched by Global NCAP in 2017. The objective was of promoting safer vehicles across the continent. The campaign is a partnership between Global NCAP and AA South Africa and is very similar to our own #SaferCarsForIndia campaign. Here in India, Mahindra retails the XUV300 with prices ranging from INR 7.95 lakh to INR 12.30 lakh (ex-showroom), sitting in the highly competitive sub-compact SUV space.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

Currently, the XUV300 is offered with two engine options in India - there's a 1.2L turbo petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine. The former produces 110hp and 200Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the oil burner produces 117hp and 300Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed manual transmission comes mated as standard to both the engines but Mahindra only offers an automatic gearbox with the diesel engine  in the form of a 6-speed AMT.

Also Read : Mahindra Thar Waiting Period Revealed For Individual Cities Across India

Now here's the niggle. While almost all the rivals of the XUV300 come with at least one petrol-automatic variant, Mahindra does not offer an automatic gearbox option with the XUV300 petrol. Petrol-automatic powertrains have grown hugely popular these days and Mahindra certainly wouldn't want to be lagging behind. Reports suggest that Mahindra will finally be launching an automatic transmission with the 1.2L turbo-petrol engine on the XUV300 this month. We believe this could be a 6-speed torque converter unit.

We however do not expect any other significant change on the XUV300, both inside or outside. The Mahindra XUV300 already comes pretty well equipped with features such as powered sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, engine push-button start/stop, , electrically-adjustable wing mirrors among others.

The Mahindra XUV300 is also one of the safest cars around with a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP and it comes with as many as 7 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, all-four disc brakes, ESP with roll-over mitigation, corner braking control and more. Currently, the XUV300 is priced between INR 7.94 lakh and INR 12.29 lakh (ex-showroom) and the new petrol-automatic variant could fit within this range itself.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

Myth 1 - Service Intervals

Many believe that one should get their vehicles checked up every 3-4 months but that is not always necessary. Many manufacturers recommend changing of oils and fluids based on a ‘Change by date’ basis, but you can actually run them longer. For example, in case of Mahindra vehicles, the carmaker bases their service schedule on the number of kilometers the vehicle clocks. Optimizing services this way reduces the need for unnecessary changing of oils and fluids. However, oils and fluids to deteriorate over time, and Mahindra recommends a maximum replacement time limit of 1/2/3 years, depending on the type of oil/fluid.

Also Read : Next-Gen Mahindra Scorpio Rendered Based On Latest Spy Shots

Myth 2 - Is an engine oil change necessary at every service?

Engine oil changes are recommended by the oil manufacturer depending on kilometers run or a maximum time limit, whichever is earlier. However, even if your car has not run the required number of kilometers, it is recommended that you get your engine oil changed if it has already exceeded the maximum time limit. This is due to the fact that the efficiency of the oil to lubricate your engine decreases over time and changing it at specified interval helps keep the engine smooth. Such intervals should overlap with every service interval or alternate service interval, as prescribed by the manufacturer.

Myth 3 - Driving with windows rolled down gives better mileage

This is one of the biggest misconceptions a lot of people have. The mileage of a vehicle depends on several factors. If you are not using your AC, but driving with your windows rolled down, it might not always give you the best mileage, particularly at higher speeds. While it may still be applicable in the city, it never works on the highway. Driving with your windows rolled down increase the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle, thus reducing its mileage. When the windows are rolled up, the air flowing alongside has a smooth surface to follow, thus increasing the aerodynamic efficiency and mileage as well.

Myth 4 - Idling of engine after starting and before stopping the engine

While this is not always necessary, it depends on when you last used your vehicle. For modern turbocharged engines, the turbochargers get their lubrication oil from the engine. It may take a few seconds for the oil from the engine to reach the turbochargers when you ignite your car after an extended period of time. It is thus a good practice to wait a few seconds before putting further load on the engine. Similarly, when shutting off the engine, you can wait for a few seconds to allow the turbocharger to wind down from very high speeds. This however is not always necessary.

Myth 5 - What's the correct tire pressure for your vehicle?

The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is always what is recommended by the manufacturer. Many people over inflate their tires because the misconception is that it avoids frequent punctures. However, over inflating the tires have an adverse effect on the handling and safety aspects of the car. It also reduces the contact patch of the tire with the road which makes wear out faster. This accelerated wear and tear will then need you to change your tires more often. Tire pressures should always be kept at the recommended values to ensure maximum safety.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

Customers buying the Mahindra Alturas G4 can avail a cash discount of INR 2.20 lakh, an exchange bonus of INR 50,000, a corporate discount of INR 16,000, and accessories worth INR 20,000. Similarly, in the case of the XUV500, customers can get a cash discount of INR 13,000 along with an exchange bonus of INR 30,000 and a corporate discount of INR 9,000 for the W5 and W7 variants. The rest of the variants of the XUV500 can be availed with an additional benefit in the form of accessories worth INR 5,000.

The Mahindra Scorpio is being offered with a cash discount of up to INR 20,000, an exchange bonus of INR 25,000, a corporate discount of INR 5,000 and accessories worth INR 10,000. However, these offers are only applicable to the S5 variant of the car.

The Bolero is being offered with a cash discount of INR 6,500, an exchange bonus of INR 10,000 and a corporate discount of INR 4,000. Similarly, the Marazzo can be bought with a cash discount of up to INR 15,000, an exchange bonus of INR 15,000 a corporate discount of INR 6,000 and accessories worth INR 5,000.

Mahindra is also offering benefits for the petrol variants of the Mahindra XUV300 including an exchange bonus of INR 25,000 and a corporate discount of INR 5,000. The diesel variants of the model are available with a cash discount of INR 10,000, an exchange bonus of INR 25,000, a corporate discount of INR 5,000 and complementary accessories of up to INR 6,550.

It should be noted that Mahindra is currently not offering any benefits on the all-new Thar or the KUV100NXT. The new Thar SUV is doing exceptionally good for the Indian automaker and is commanding a waiting period of almost 9 years on select variants. Mahindra also sold more than 2,500 Thars in November.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.