Mahindra XUV300 AMT Automatic Roadtest Review
If you see the current auto segment trends you will agree that the subcompact SUV segment is one of the hottest currently. Mahindra launched its Subcompact SUV the XUV300.The Mahindra XUV300 has surely made a mark for itself in the segment.We had driven the Manual transmission version and now we get behind the wheels of its AMT Automatic version to see if it also can shake up the segment like its MT counterpart.
Exteriors
In terms of exterior styling and looks the AMT Automatic version of the Mahindra XUV300 looks identical to the Manual version. The XUV300 does surely attract your attention. May it be because of the unique face that comes with extended DRL Led lights that extend into the bumpers or the Mahindra family grille along with prominent faux scuff plate just below the air dam that also gets horizontal chrome strips and not forgetting the chiseled character lines on the bonnet. The glamour on the sides is all thanks to the floating roofline styling with silver alloy finished roof rails. The highlight on the sides clearly is the muscularly flexed rear fender section that bulges out uniquely, not forgetting the unpainted matt black plastic cladding on the wheel arch and the running board giving a tough SUV look to the XUV300 AMT. The A-B and C pillars get glossy black masking while the electric wing mirrors come with unique heating feature. The rear profile of the XUV300 Petrol is highlighted with the near oval tail lights in all LED glow that extend themselves into the boot lid. The rear spoiler in roof color extends itself outward giving a tough look to the rear profile. The rear bumper comes with stop lamps placed on the corners along with the faux skid plate. The boot lid on the AMT version also gets the extra autoSHIFT badging along with the W8 and XUV300 badges.
Interiors
Like the exteriors the interiors on the XUV300 AMT are identical the Manual one. The cabin is extremely well laid out all in bright white theme. The dash gets a dual tone shade. Instrumentation is well laid out and clear to read, the twin pod design comes with the outer ring that has a color glow which can be changed as per your mood. The MFD display between the twin pods displays the time, temperature, trip meters, speed, fuel and engine temperature, gear shift, tyre direction monitor etc. The center dash comes with a 7 inche touch-screen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Radio, Navigation, tyre pressure and temperature monitor with Mahindra Ecosense and Blue sense app. Segment 1st Dual zone climate control is also available on the XUV300 AMT along with leather wrapped steering and gear shifter. Leather seats in white shade look super classy and these are one of the best seats in the segment with perfect back support and countering. Not forgetting the electric sunroof that comes on the top end W8 trim.
Engine – Transmission – Drive
The XUV300 AMT Automatic is only available in the Diesel engine option. Powering the AMT version is the same 1.5-Litre CDRI engine that powers the Manual version. This engine makes 115bhp @ 3750rpm and 300Nm between 1500rpm – 2500rpm. This engine comes mated with to the 6-speed AMT Automatic Transmission. This is the same engine that also powers the larger Mahindra Marazzo MPV.
On the move the XUV300 AMT feels butter smooth to drive. The long throw AMT shifter comes with Automatic drive mode as well as tip-tronic shift options. The 1.5L engine has loads of power to chug the XUV300 ahead with good grace and style thanks to the power to weight ratio if you compare it to the Marazzo. The power delivery is pretty neat and linear. The peculiar AMT shift lag is present but gets well hidden with the engines quick power delivery. We also took the XUV300 AMT to some off road patches and the SUV performed rather gracefully. The all wheel disc brakes are also a big positive giving a safe and secure feedback. The Creep feature on the AMT transmission did come handy during our city driving period for encountering bumper to bumper traffic situations. On the highways the XUV300 AMT shines with its excellent drive dynamics. All in all the Mahindra XUV300 AMT does a tidy job in all driving departments.
Safety
Mahindra has loaded the XUV 3OO AMT with a long list of safety features many of which are the segment first. The XUV 3OO AMT W8 comes with 7 airbags (2 front, 2 curtain, 2 side, 1 driver knee), ABS with EBD, corner braking control, all 4 disc brakes, ESP, Hill Hold assist, ISOFIX child seat restraints, seatbelt reminder for front and back, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor, seatbelt height adjust, Tyre direction monitor system.
Competition Check
The Mahindra XUV 3OO AMT will rivals the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, the Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Honda WR-V while the top end variants would also compete with the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur to some extent. From the rival list only the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Tata Nexon comes with the AMT automatic option in Diesel.
Verdict
Mahindra has transformed its rural and semi urban image largely with its recent products, the XUV300 plays a major role in that. The XUV300 comes loaded till the brim in terms of innovative features both on the equipment and safety front. The 1.5L diesel engine does an excellent job in powering the SUV and the AMT transmission surely takes away a lot of stress from the driving.
Story & Photography – Govind Gadekar
