It is, perhaps fitting the Mahindra XUV300 is launched in South Africa as the first market outside India considering the styling design is, as Mahindra puts it ‘cheetah-inspired’.

Built on the group’s global X100 platform, the XUV300 (pronounced XUV three double O) carries its larger sibling’s cheetah-inspired design language into a new generation of vehicles. At the same time, it introduces a new range of engines and level of specification to the local compact SUV segment.

“At Mahindra, our driving purpose is ‘Rise’, which we interpret as the way we challenge conventional thinking and innovatively use all our resources to drive positive change in the lives of our stakeholders and communities across the world.

“The XUV300 is the latest product of that philosophy and combines fresh thinking and our best engineering and design talent. We are very excited to see how our new compact SUV will not only wow customers in our second home – South Africa – but will allow them to Rise!” says Arvind Mathew – Chief of International Operations Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Mahindra has launched two new engines with the XUV300, offering buyers the choice of either a turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel engine.

The first is a new three-cylinder 1,2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which delivers 81 kW at 5 000 r/min and a healthy 200 Nm of torque between 2 000 r/min and 3 500 r/min. The second engine option is a brand-new 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.

All versions of the XUV300 are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, which transfers power from the engine to the front driving wheels.

With its dual LED-strip daytime running lights (DRLs), aggressive grille, wide LED taillights and diamond cut alloy wheels, the new XUV300 strikes a confident pose.

The cheetah styling cues are further visible in the XUV300’s squat stance, which is accentuated its 2,6-metre wheelbase in a body that is just short of 4 metres. This stance is further enhanced by wide and bold wheel arches and large wheels on the furthest corners of the vehicle.

On the W8 model, the design is accentuated by LED indicators in the heated and folding side mirrors, dual tone roof rails, 17-inch wheels and silver front and rear skid plates.

Inside there is a thick-rimmed steering wheel with steering controls, a large tachometer and speedometer and a 17,78 cm full colour connected infotainment system on all models.

The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on the W8 and has in-built turn-by-turn navigation with regional maps as standard across the range. The system also allows the driver to pre-set many of the vehicle functions, including the background display and, on the W8, the colour of the LED backlit instrument panel.

The XUV300’s infotainment system also features Mahindra’s Bluesense app. This app tracks the driver’s driving patterns and scores them on a set of environmentally friendly metrics. The driver can access this information and information on past trips from their phone’s connected Bluesense app or smart watch.

In addition to the infotainment system, all Mahindra XUV300 models are equipped with the new Smart Steering system. Controlled with a button below the infotainment system, the Smart Steering system allows the driver to change the steering feel between Comfort mode, which allows you to negotiate urban traffic with ease, a Normal everyday mode and Sport, with the latter offering a weightier and more responsive steering feel for a more thrilling drive experience.

The W6 trim level offers the most affordable entry into the XUV300 range and features air-conditioning, power windows, power steering with Smart Steering, premium black fabric trim, electrically adjustable side mirrors and central locking.

The XUV300 W8’s list of luxuries includes a second USB charging point, an additional information screen between the colour-customisable LED-lit instrument cluster and power windows with express up and down function with anti-pinch technology. There is a glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, also with anti-pinch technology, cruise control and an integrated voice command system with steering-mounted controls.
Mahindra has also added additional driving aids, including its Tyretronics tyre pressure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse parking camera with parking assistance and automatic rain-sensing wipers.

“With the introduction of the W6 and W8 model ranges, we are able to cater both to the budget conscious buyer and buyers who do not want to compromise on luxury features, while offering both segments a modern infotainment system with satellite navigation,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

With its long wheelbase and width of 1,8 m, the XUV300 offers exceptional interior space for the driver and passengers, with ample head and shoulder room for adult occupants, including three adult passengers in the second row.

The interior space is further improved by a near-flat floor in the rear with sculpted front seatbacks for additional rear leg room. In front, the driver has the benefit of a six-way adjustable seat and a height-adjustable steering wheel.

In the rear, the luggage compartment can be extended both vertically, with the option of three height settings for the luggage floor and horizontally by folding the rear seats forward in a 60:40 configuration.

The W6 specification level is equipped with anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, cornering braking control and discs on all four wheels. It also has impact-sensing door locks and a high-mounted stop lamp in the rear spoiler. An emergency braking signalling system is fitted to all models, as are ISOFIX child anchors on the rear seats.

The W8 specification level adds five more crash bags – side, curtain and a driver knee bag to the list, while also adding electronic stability (ESP) with rollover mitigation. The XUV300 W8 also adds warning lights on the front doors, hill-hold assistance, an anti-theft alarm system and seatbelt reminders on all seats.

“The XUV300 was launched in India in February 2019 and has already generated over 26 000 bookings in this hotly contested market, which is roughly equal to the total size of the compact SUV market in South Africa.

“The success of XUV300 can be attributed to its combination of style, dynamic driving performance and a high specification level. If the local interest in this new model is anything to go by, it will soon become one of Mahindra South Africa’s top-selling models as well,” says Gupta.

All versions of the XUV300 will be offered with a 5-year / 150 000 km warranty and a standard 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and 24/7 standard Roadside Assistance.