[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/46905953042/[/flickr]
The 1.5-litre diesel engine is refined and punchy
Performance – Mahindra is offering the XUV300 with a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel, the latter is what we drove. Boasting of segment best output figures of 115 BHP and 300 Nm, the XUV300 employs the same 4-pot unit as the Marazzo but in a different state of tune (power is down by 6 BHP while the RPM at which peak output is achieved has also changed) with revised gear ratios. The motor is silent at idle, feels refined lower down and becomes quite vocal past 3000 RPM.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/46233423794/[/flickr]
There is good amount of torque in the midrange with minimal turbo lag
The XUV300 has the best diesel engine in its segment, perfect for highways
There is a good amount of low-end punch, lag is well contained as the turbo spools up in full flow at 1500 RPM but it’s really the mid-range where the motor shines, giving a good punch and really pushing ahead with gusto. Progress dulls in the top-end and post 3000 RPM, the engine doesn’t pull much, it redlines at around 4500 RPM. The clutch is on the lighter side while the gearbox although smooth, solicits an extra push to get into the preferred cog, occasionally.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/46905952642/[/flickr]
The punchy performance takes a toll on the fuel economy
Drivability is good and there is ample punch for the highway, the sixth gear coming into play here. This engine has so much performance that it leaves everyone else in the dust as far as compact SUVs go. But you win some and you lose some which in the XUV300’s case is fuel economy as it’s the least efficient in the segment, a tradeoff which most will gladly make for the oil burner really thrills.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/46905952822/[/flickr]
The XUV300 boasts of great ride and handling dynamics
Driving Dynamics – The Mahindra XUV300 is based on the X100 platform and the SsangYong underpinnings are immediately apparent. This car’s dynamics are unlikely you have seen on a Mahindra because the ride and handling balance on the XUV300 is just phenomenal, the suspension set up is just right and it is actually a fun car to drive. There are 3 steering modes on offer – Normal, Comfort and Sport, each varying the steering weight with Sport being the best, the baby XUV offering good feel and feedback at all speeds, with a light feel at lower speeds.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/46233423684/[/flickr]
The XUV300 has exceptional braking performance and high speed stability
The XUV300 feels light and fun to drive, absorbing most of the bumps
Body roll is well contained and although there is roll, it’s not too apparent and the XUV300 does like changing directions. The ride is very compliant too and the car remains stable at higher speeds. What impressed us the most are the brakes. They simply offer outstanding stopping power with great feel at the pedal. The large tyres are to credit too as they have a tremendous amount of grip on offer at all times.
