Mahindra XUV300 boot space: Is it really TINY? [Video]

The Mahindra XUV300 was launched last week, and there were two things that really stood out from the spec-sheet of the SUV. One, its 2,600 mm long wheelbase that’s a class leading figure better than that of the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford Ecosport, and two, its 265 liter boot space that’s the smallest in class, and for that matter smaller than the boot of even small cars such as the Maruti WagonR. So, while the Mahindra XUV300’s boot capacity of 265 liters may seem tiny, the SUV can gobble up a decent amount of luggage. Here’s a demonstration.

Video courtesy Pritam Majumder on Mahindra XUV300 Facebook group

As the video indicates, the Mahindra XUV300’s boot can accommodate five medium sized suitcases, which will generally be enough for a small family heading out to a weekend trip. What the XUV300’s boot cannot accommodate though are a couple of large suitcases. There’s help at hand though, in the form of a 60:40 split folding rear seat. With the 40 % bit of the rear seat folded, the XUV300 can easily take in a couple of large sized suitcases, making airport runs possible. If you want even more luggage space, the entire rear seat can be folded flat to liberate a massive amount of space.

The sub-4 meter compact SUV is available with petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol powered version’s prices start from Rs. 7.9 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi while those of the diesel powered variants start from Rs. 8.49 lakhs. The diesel powered XUV300 has class leading power and torque outputs, with the 1.5 liter turbocharged motor pumping out 115 Bhp-300 Nm. The petrol motor has a class leading torque output, with the 1.2 liter turbocharged unit making 110 Bhp-200 Nm. 6 speed manual gearboxes are standard with both engines. By this year’s festive season, Mahindra is expected to launch 6 speed AMT options with both engines.

The Mahindra XUV300 will be joined by a seven seater sibling next year. The 7 seat version will have three rows of seating, and is expected to have the same wheelbase but with a bigger body. The engines are likely to be carried over, and the 7 seat version is expected to be priced at about Rs. 1 lakh more than the 5 seat model.

Mahindra is also working on an all-electric version of the XUV300, which will hit the Indian market by the end of 2020. An official reveal of this SUV could happen at the upcoming, 2020 Indian Auto Expo, which will be held at Noida early next year.

The XUV300 Electric will be sold in two versions – a regular range version that can do 300 kilometers before needing a recharge of its batteries, and a long range version that can do 400 kilometers before a recharge. The XUV300 Electric will be aimed at being a practical electric SUV that buyers can use both in the city as well as on the highway.