Mahindra XUV300 (S201) AMT coming soon

Mahindra has officially revealed its sub 4 meter compact SUV, the XUV300. To be launched in Feb 2019, it will initially come with only a manual transmission as stated earlier today. However, we zoomed into one of the sketch images and found a little secret, an AMT gear lever. This clearly means that at a later stage, the XUV300 will get an AMT set-up.

The current compact SUV segment leader, the Breeza, has an optional AMT and so does the Tata Nexon. There is a clear demand for automatic SUVs and Mahindra knows this new trend. While the AMT ‘box will not be offered at launch, it will be launched at a later stage. What remains to be seen is if Mahindra will offer it with just the diesel or with both the fuel types.

Mahindra did not reveal any official specification but we strongly feel the new XUV300 will come with the all-new G80 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that generates around 125 Bhp and 170 Nm, making it the most powerful in the segment. For the record, the Ford EcoSport EcoBoost produces a maximum of 123 Bhp. On the diesel front, the XUV300 will get a 1.5-litre unit that produces a maximum of 121 Bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque – this is the same engine that powers the Marazzo. Mahindra did confirm today that the baby XUV will generate the highest torque for the segment.

The XUV300 is largely based on the Ssangyong Tivoli but has seen major changes for the Indian market. It will offer segment leading safety with as many as 7 airbags and will offer unique features like a dual zone climate control, sunroof, all four disc brakes among others. Pricing will play a vital role here – the Brezza starts from Rs 7.58 lakh (diesel only), Nexon from Rs 6.22 lakh (petrol) and EcoSport from Rs 7.82 lakh onwards. While the XUV300 is clearly being positioned as a premium compact SUV, Mahindra will have to position it between Rs 6.5 to 10.5 lakh. Do note that the EcoSport petrol comes with a proper conventional automatic.

The XUV300 is the third launch by Mahindra in this financial year after the Marazzo and the Alturas. The latter is also a Ssangyong product, having being modified for Indian conditions.