Mahindra TUV300 Overview

Mahindra TUV300 was the company’s first new-gen compact SUV. This made its entry after the company experimented with the Quanto. That vehicle didn’t do well due to multiple reasons and Mahindra did have a lot of learnings from that. The Mahindra TUV300 did have the tough and bold looks, it did appeal to many, but there were an array of launches that affected the sales. One of the major reasons was lack of power from the engine. Hence, this 1.5-litre got an upgrade in power to 100bhp making it good enough in performance. The AMT variant was also offered on the 100bhp engine.

The TUV300 lacked the finesse, the features and the touch and feel of materials. This was premium in a lot of a vehicles making them a good option to consider. Mahindra went back to the drawing board. They have come back with multiple additions that are offered on this new T10 variant. There are multiple new additions. So, what are the new offerings? We share all the details on this new TUV300. Check for TUV300 price in Mumbai

Mahindra TUV300 Exterior

Taking inspiration from the ‘battle tank’, TUV300 has been shaped in a rather boxy manner which may or may not go well with the customer, reason being that some may find it tough and rugged while others may think that it is too plain jane to stand competition like Hyundai Creta, Maruti S-Cross, Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Mahindra TUV300 pictures of the outside testify the company’s attempt to come up with a rugged vehicle, but what really works for the SUV is that despite its small size it manages to appeal customers and is not mistaken for an oversized hatchback. Despite its sub-four meter length, the SUV does not seem petite or compressed, probably because it is not feature clad on the outside, the unnecessary styling to make it look sporty has been skipped which works well for it.
Front is bold, the engine hood is short and front apron is unusually wide. Radiator grille is reminiscent of Jeep and a hint of chrome is evident around the rectangular openings. Head lights are designed in such as way that fits well with the bold front end. Body coloured lower bumper gets square shaped fog lights featuring chrome surrounds. Air inlets are again wide that add to the aggressive stance. Wheel arches are rather rectangular than round, side view is simple, the black treatment around the window frame, dual tone power adjustable ORVMs, body painted outside door handles and window beltline altogether lends a suave look. Rear too has been designed in line with the rest of the body, a set of simple tail lights and mounted spare wheel are equipped on the tailgate. And the black painted roof rails have been atop appear sport.

Mahindra TUV300 Interior

Mahindra TUV300 Engine & Performance

When Mahindra launched the TUV300, we wondered why it was producing lesser output than the Quanto. Then the NuvoSport was launched and we still were dumbstruck as to why the TUV300 still made lesser power. The vehicle now gets the same engine tune as the Quanto replacement, thus the 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine produces 100 BHP of power at 3750 RPM which is a full 16 BHP more while torque has increased by 10 Nm to 240 Nm between a higher band of 1600 to 2800 RPM. Using a twin-stage turbocharger, the added punch from the engine is hard to notice in city driving as both the engines have good low-end pep.

The Mahindra TUV300 is comfortable doing 100 km/hr and push it hard, it will reach 120 km/hr without much fuss unlike the mHawk80 model which struggled. There is an Eco mode which restricts RPM to 4000 RPM and voice command system shouts out loud “Your TUV300 is in Eco mode”. There is also a stop-start system which helps in increasing mileage but fuel efficiency has fallen from 18.49 km/l to 18.05 km/l (ARAI). The TUV300 mHawk100 is offered in both manual and automatic transmissions, both being 5-speed units and the AT is an AMT (the mHawk80 now gets AMT as made to order). The 5-speed manual gearbox offers decent shifts but could be smoother.

Mahindra TUV300 Driving Dynamics

The ride is soft and good enough for city driving. At about 80km/hr, the TUV300 somewhat feels wallowy. It isn’t unstable but does seem to be a bit nervous. On bad roads, the ride is absolutely unsettled. The SUV has been tuned with a soft suspension and hence it has pliant ride on most of the bad roads, unless its gets really bad. The height of the TUV300 plays against it. The same goes for handling. The foot print is under 4 metres, width is just fine and height a bit more. Due to ladder frame, the centre of gravity is also much higher. In short, it has a good amount of body roll. But this vehicle in the city is a king. Short turning radius, excellent all-round visibility. Large wing mirrors. Seating is a high commanding position. You will love driving it in the city. No one will dare to come ahead of you or cut you at any point.

Mahindra TUV300 Braking and Safety

Disc brakes in front and drum brakes at rear perform respective duties. Anti-lock-braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution is available on the high end grade as standard fare while the base trims get it as an optional feature. Airbags are available in front for the driver, other than this features like immobilizer, central locking etc are also incorporated.

Mahindra TUV300 Conclusion

The Mahindra TUV300 mHawk100 is easily much better than the mHawk80 model. The fact that Mahindra has priced it at just Rs. 8000/- premium over the mHawk80 model, makes one wonder why the mHawk80 even exists now. However, the more powerful TUV is only offered in top trim guise so those looking for lower variants have no option but to opt for the lower powered model. The mHawk100 model should over time replace the mHawk80 completely but right now, the launch of the more powerful TUV300 makes one further wonder about the fate of the NuvoSport.