5 safety stars for Mahindra’s impressive B-Segment SUV contender, “Africa’s safest car.” Ryan de Villiers reports from the media launch.
The Mahindra XUV300 has achieved a five-star rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) and it would seem as though the Indian vehicle manufacturer is rather proud of this fact. It is a compact SUV littered with a tremendous number of safety features. The updated XUV300 is a culmination of a number of efforts to improve the safety rating issued to the Indian model. According to Mahindra, their vehicle received a score of 16.42 out of 17 as well as five stars for its adult occupant safety rating. Notable features range from seven airbags to an EBD system that comes as standard from the base model up. At a reasonable sticker price of R235 000 for the base model, the XUV300 positions itself as an affordable and reliable choice for the family-oriented consumer.
The entire XUV300 range has also received a specification boost with all models now featuring a dark interior and on the W8 models leatherette upholstery. This follows feedback from customers who felt that the light ivory in the previous model was not quite as practical as they have had liked. Anpther notable upgrade to the XUV300 is its new 9-inch touch-sensitive infotainment system, available in W4 SE, W6 and W8 models and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
“It is worth noting that the GNCAP tested the most basic specification level of the XUV300 for its safety rating, both in South Africa and India. This means that even the entry-level W4 models are fully Five-Star Safety compliant and meets the standards that has made the model the GNCAP’s top performer,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
In terms of powertrain options, the turbo-petrol engine is Mahindra’s own three-cylinder 1,2-litre engine, which delivers 81 kW at 5 000 r/min and 200 N.m of torque between 2 000 r/min and 3 500 r/min. The diesel engine is a brand-new four-cylinder 1,5 litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 86 kW at 3 750 r/min and 300 N.m in a flat band between 1 500 r/min and 2 500 r/min. We sampled the diesel model and were impressed by its peppy nature and lack of perceivable turbo lag.
Mahindra’s Somerset West branch hosted a launch event for the firm’s acclaimed SUV. Attendees were fortunate enough to pilot the range-topper, the W8 (specifically the diesel variant). The itinerary for the day included a quick talk about the features of the XUV300 followed by a certified defensive driving class and finally a presentation by the MasterDrive team on preventative measures for hijackings.
In ascending order, the models range from the W4, W4 SE, W6, and W8. Each model has two derivatives (one petrol variant and one diesel variant). The XUV300’s main selling point is its impeccable safety rating. While there were one or two gripes about the spacing and design choices of Mahindra’s B-Segment SUV, as far as performance is concerned the compact SUV offers a comfortable ride and an array of modern comforts. Overall, the XUV300 is agile and responsive while assuring the driver that they are cradled by myriad precautionary features.
