The most awaiting Mahindra’s compact suv, internally code named as S201 is on its way to the production line and badged as XUV3OO.It is positioned under the mighty xuv5OO. The car is actually built under the SsangYong Tivoli platform which is a global successful product from SsangYong after the acquirement of the company by Mahindra.
The design cues of this car is actually similar to the cheetah inspirational patterns as followed by the elder sibling xuv500.The headlamps integrated with the fog lamp unit in the bumper resembles a cheetah like tear duct, the muscular haunches of cheetah can be seen through the wheel arch design. In fact, the character line starts from the front fender and ending at the rear by forming a hip shows a running stance of cheetah. The eye like treatment in rear tail lights are new to the Mahindra’s design terminology which literally make the car unique in its line up.
Jump into the interior of the vehicle one could definitely appreciate the ergonomics and loaded features. For instance, the first in class dual zone fully automatic temperature control and the 7 air bag setup including the knee air bag for driver is quite upmarket. The instrument cluster dials are well colored and readable too. The leather wrapped steering wheel with steering mode function helps to switch the steering operation into comfort, sport and normal mode on the go, which is class leading. Moreover, the smart phone and smart watch integration into the infotainment system is very useful, one can easily control the media or the A/C controls through their phone or watch. The rear ISO fix warning light at the dashboard is a good add-on for this segment.
While considering the interior ergonomics, the driving seat position adjustment needs to be rewarded. It has a variety of adjustments to find the ideal driving position. Furthermore, the leatherette seats feel more premium. This car can easily accommodate 5 occupants easily, however the bumpy like treatment is given at the middle portion of the rear seat makes the person at that position feels a little tiresome on long stretches. Decent storage spaces are provided across the vehicle, an open storage space given above the glove box is so simple and practical. The boot space is generous and it can be increased further by folding the second-row seats in 60:40 ratios.
The ride quality is very nimble, the road noise and wind noise are minimal. Mahindra has given all wheel disk brakes and ABS as a standard option for all variants which really helps to eliminate the bad rapport on braking efficiency in the older Mahindra vehicles. The suspension system is designed in such a way that it absolutely matches the Indian terrains. The McPherson strut at the front and the Twist beam rear suspension did a great job in terms of drivability.
Currently, two drive trains are available; one is the 1.2L petrol engine capable of generating 110bhp power and 200 Nm of torque and the second is the 1.5L diesel engine with a rated power of 115bhp and 300 Nm of torque. These two engines are mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox.
In conclusion, Mahindra has brought a strong competitor in the Indian compact SUV segment and it needs to be admitted that the XUV3OO is well packed against its rivals. Furthermore, its DNA is from TIVOLI, then the XUV3OO can be easily represent by reversing the name; I LOV IT.
