Mahindra might name the upcoming SUV as XUV300 Sportz, exerts class-leading 131 HP, launch soon
Mahindra will soon launch a more powerful version of its compact SUV, XUV300, and it might be named XUV300 Sportz. The company has obtained certification for the car from ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) which hints at an imminent launch.
The news of Mahindra developing a more powerful XUV300 floated on the internet after the manufacturer showcased its XUV300 Sportz concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. But, Covid havoc, war crisis, and semiconductor shortage lead to Mahindra become tight-lipped about the project.
But, now after more than 2 years, the company is gearing up to launch the SUV. It will be powered by the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the existing XUV300 but in a much higher state of tune.
The upcoming SUV will exert a class-leading power out of 131 HP while the torque output will be a humongous 230 Nm. Very few petrol engines of this size develop this high torque that’s in the league of the turbo diesel engines.
Power is up by 21 HP and torque up by 30 Nm from the regular XUV300 and the petrol engine will be mated to a sole 6-speed manual gearbox for a raw driving experience. The power will be sent to the front wheels.
To give you a picture of the upcoming car’s capability on paper, the second most powerful compact SUVs, the Tata Nexon 1.2-litre turbo petrol, and Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet 1-litre turbo petrol are down on power by 13 HP.
The only other compact SUV that’s more powerful than the upcoming XUV300 is the Thar which gets the much bigger 2-litre mStallion petrol engine. But, it’s more of a lifestyle vehicle than a regular family car.
The upcoming SUV will sport a mild-hybrid setup for improved fuel efficiency and reduced Co2 emissions. While the overall looks of the car will remain the same as the outgoing model, there could be sporty decals outside and dark interiors. It will compete against the likes of the upcoming Hyundai Venue N Line.
