Recently launches Mahindra XUV300 has beaten the Tata Nexon to reach the second spot in the sales chart for the segment. However, the difference between the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Mahindra XUV300 still remains huge. While on the other hand, the difference between the numbers of Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300 is not so much with the latest Mahindra sub-4 meter compact SUV selling 4,200 units in the month of April and the Tata Nexon trailing behind with 3,976 units. Mahindra XUV300 locks horns with Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Honda WR-V, Ford Ecosport, and the upcoming Hyundai Venue in the market.
Talking of the difference between the segment leader and other options in the sub-4 meter compact SUV space, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza still is in the role of Goliath with the April sales figures of the SUV reaching humongous 11,785 units. This shows the immense popularity of Brezza in the market despite fresher models being launched after it and the Brezza itself looking dated in the segment.
As far as the time of launch of is concerned Mahindra took its time to enter the segment with XUV300. However, in order to distinguish its offering, Mahindra has taken the premium approach and loaded the XUV300 with features to the brim. Not just features, but the XUV300 is best in segment in the engine department as well. The 1.2 liter petrol engine leads the segment in torque output and produces 110 Bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque. While the 1.5 liter diesel engine is ahead of segment in power and produces 115 Bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. All this does come at a price though and the XUV300 does become a bit pricier than other options in the segment as the base petrol model of the SUV starts from Rs. 7.9 lakhs whereas the base diesel commands a price of Rs. 8.5 lakhs.
Talking of the features, XUV300 trumps the rivals here as well. Its stellar features include sunroof, faux leather seats, touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual zone auto climate control, full fold rear seats with a 60:40 split, steering feedback modes, LED headlamps and DRLs, and 17 inch alloy wheels.
However, a department where the XUV300 currently lags is the transmission, while the other rivals come with automatics, for now Mahindra only offers a 6 speed manual gearbox with XUV300. Although the company has announced that an AMT version for both petrol and diesel model in being worked on. However, the SUV does hit back with an array of safety features. These include 7 airbags, ABS+EBD, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, hill hold, electronic stability program, TPMS, auto dim and heated wing mirror, anti-rollover protection and seat belt reminders for all five seats.