Mahindra & Mahindra is all set to launch a more powerful petrol variant of XUV300 in the Indian market next month. Being showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Mahindra XUV300 Sportz will be powered by an all-new 1.2L T-GDI petrol engine which would belt out 130bhp. The sub-compact SUV will take on the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and Ford EcoSport in the country. The company had also showcased the all-electric version of the SUV, called the eXUV300, at the Auto Expo which is expected to launch by mid 2021.
As far as the styling updates are concerned, the Mahindra XUV300 Sportz will flaunt body graphics with 'Sportz' badging on the front doors. In addition, the SUV will boast of red front brake calipers in order to distinguish it from the standard version. The cabin will come with an all-black upholstery with red contrast stitching at the seats. There will also be red highlights on the dashboard. The features will be mostly carried over from the standard version such as automatic climate control, engine start/stop and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The speculations are also rife that the 1.2L T-GDI petrol motor will gradually make its way in the EcoSport as well, since Ford has discontinued the 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine.
Speaking of the 1.2L 3-cylinder turbocharged – gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) petrol engine, it will be a BS6 compliant unit. It will deliver top power of 130bhp and peak torque of 230Nm, which is an increase of nearly 20bhp and 30Nm over the XUV300's ongoing BS 6 compliant petrol engine. The transmission duties will be helmed by a 6-speed manual unit. Mahindra XUV300 Sportz will be the most powerful vehicle in the sub-compact SUV segment as it will leave behind Hyundai Venue's turbo petrol variant which develops 120bhp. The company will continue to retail the existing 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel variants too even after the launch of high-performance Sportz variant.