Mahindra TUV 300 Review

The popular automobile giant Mahindra has launched its much awaited new TUV 300 at a price range of Rs.7.1-Rs.9.4 lac. The name TUV stands for ‘Tough Utility Vehicle’ which shows its style and rugged design. It competes with its similar car Ford Ecosport, a leading vehicle in the sales chart in India. The unique feature of the new TUV 300 is its masculine cosmetics.

Mahindra TUV 300 Variants and Price Details

Mahindra TUV 300 comes only in diesel variants at an affordable cost which are represented below.

1) Mahindra TUV 300 T4 – Rs.7.1 lac
2) Mahindra TUV 300 T4 Plus – Rs.7.5 lac
3) Mahindra TUV 300 T6 – Rs.7.8 lac
4) Mahindra TUV 300 T6 Plus – Rs.8.1 lac
5) Mahindra TUV 300 T8 – Rs.8.7 lac
6) Mahindra TUV 300 T6 Plus AMT – Rs.8.8 lac
7) Mahindra TUV 300 T8 AMT – Rs.9.4 lac

Mahindra TUV 300 Colors

Mahindra is really good in offering attractive color shades for the vehicle. And TUV 300 is available in following color options.

1) Molten Orange
2) Majestic Silver
3) Dynamo Red
4) Verve Blue
5) Glacier White
6) Bold Black

Engine Performance

Mahindra TUV 300 is packed with a new generation diesel engine powered by a 1.5 litre mHawk80 with the displacement capacity of 1493cc. Actually this diesel motor comes with a turbocharger and superior NVH levels compared with others. Since it is embedded with a dual mass flywheel which separates engine torsional vibrations and results in less noice. This powerful engine delivers the maximum power output of 84bhp at 3750rpm and maximum torque of 230Nm at 1500-2250rpm mated with five speed manual gearbox. The TUV 300 also comes with an Automated Manual Transmission gearbox option generating the power output higher than five speed manual gearbox but the torque remains the same.

Acceleration and Pick Up of Mahindra TUV 300

Since the TUV 300 comes in two different gearboxes, the maximum speed given by the vehicle ranges between 140-145 kmph and it can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just about 15 seconds.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of the Mahindra TUV 300 is really appreciable as it is integrated with the reliable common rail fuel injection system. With this, it can offer the fuel efficiency of around 18.49 kmpl which is really good.

Design and Style

Exteriors

Mahindra TUV 300 gives an elegant appearance with its battle tank inspired structure. In order to enhance its masculine appeal, the vehicle is offered with flat bonnet, radiator grille, window frames and fenders, bumpers etc. The front comes with a wing shaped headlight cluster powered by the conventional halogen headlamps and horizontally positioned turn indicators. At the centre, it is fitted with a typical grille design with chrome accents accompanied by the company’s signature. The top bonnet looks very flat while seeing at a long distance but it has a pair of character lines which improves its stylish appearance. The front bumper of the TUV 300 is housed with square shaped fog lamps with chrome cover. Moving to the side profile, the vehicle has a straight line passing all the way from headlight cluster to the rear. The higher end variant T8 is incorporated with a set of stylish 15 inch alloy wheels and the remaining variants are fitted with steel rims of the same size. It is designed with 215/75 R15 sized radial tubeless tyres and it also has a spare wheel affixed on the tail gate available for all the variants. Apart from that, the rear view mirrors and door handles are offered in body color. The rear windscreen is broad accompanied by a high mount third brake light and the rear bumper gives a complete finishing appearance to the vehicle.

Exterior Dimensions

The dimensions in terms of length, width and height are represented below.

1) Length – 3995 mm
2) Width – 1835 mm
3) Height – 1839 mm
4) Wheelbase – 2680 mm

Interior Features

Not only are the exteriors, the interior features also really awesome in which the new TUV 300 looks very similar to some of their SUV models. The materials used inside the vehicle is of high quality plastic materials. The cabin has been designed with dual tone color schemes giving a decent appearance to our eyes. Next to that, the door panels, steering wheel and instrument cluster is also really superb. It comes with a decent layered dashboard design housed with numerous equipments in it. The TUV 300 has a central console in vertical position packed with all gadgets and features for pleasurable driving experience to the occupants. The floor console is one of the added advantages with switches to operate windows and gearbox with leatherette cover to it. It has enough space to accommodate seven passengers comfortably with first and second row front facing seats and third row with side facing seats. The instrument cluster looks very trendy with two analogue meters with chrome covers along with several warning lights which helps to keep the driver to be very updated. It has a four spoke steering wheel decorated with company’s logo in silver accents and it is mounted with audio and call control switching options. Additionally, it is well packed with accessory power sockets, storage units, sun visors and some other features for utility purpose. Features such as air conditioning system with heater are offered as a standard feature for all the trims where as the AC vents with silver coating is available for high end trims. The T4 and T4 Plus comes with features such as mobile charging points, roof lamp, bottle holders in front and second row with cup holders. Moving to the trim T6, it has some additional features such as remote lock with keyless entry, rear defogger, second row roof lamp, fabric and vinyl seats and rear window wiper with washer. Along with these, T8 Plus sports steering mounted audio controls, driver seat height adjuster, armrest along with lumbar support for driver’s seat, follow me headlamps etc.

Braking Mechanism

This compact SUV comes with excellent braking mechanism in which the front wheels are mated with disc brakes and the rear wheels fitted with drum brakes. This combination of disc and drum brakes helps in instant halting of the vehicle while applying brake immediately. Apart from this, Mahindra TUV 300 has an advanced anti lock braking system for better safety.

Suspension System

In order to handle the vehicle in an easy, efficient and safe way, Mahindra TUV 300 has a double wishbone at the front axle and rigid axle multi link suspension at the rear axle. As well as it also sports a power assisted steering which reduces the efforts to handle the vehicle.

Safety and Security Features of TUV 300

Some of the safety features are listed below.

1) Powerful headlamps
2) Seat belts
3) Collapsible steering wheel
4) Auto door lock and Side impact beams
5) Digital immobilizer
6) ABS with dual front airbags and anti theft warning system
7) Keyless entry
8) Third brake lights
9) Fog lamps

These safety features may vary from one trim to another in which the high end variant gets many safety features compared to base and mid variants.

Pros and Cons

Mahindra TUV 300 is good at external appearance, decent power and performance, lot of storage space, excellent comfort features. But it lacks cabin space, quality interior design, poor fuel efficiency, safety features, and low ground clearance.

Verdict

Mahindra TUV 300 is a complete package with stylish appearance and road presence, high quality interiors, decent fit & finish and powerful engine.