- XUV300 gets spec boost across range
- New 23cm infotainment system
- ‘W8 still one of best-specified vehicles in class’
PRETORIA, South Africa – The company that claims to have the safest car in Africa has been given a ”significant” specification boost and is – or soon will be – with Mahindra dealers across the country. Here’s what it’s all about…
The India-based auto company says the XUV300, launched in May 2019, received a five-star rating and the title ‘Safest Car Yet Tested’ by the Global New Car Assessment Programme in 2020. Then, in 2021, Mahindra SA submitted its own South Africa-homologated units for testing.
A ”thumbs-up” came from the GNCAP along with the ‘Safest Car in Africa’ badge.
Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra SA, told The Corner: “The GNCAP tested as the most basic spec level of the XUV300 for safety in both South Africa and India so even the entry-level W4 models are five-star compliant.”
For 2022, Mahindra has kept all the dynamic and passive-safety features that won the XUV300 its safety stars, though with added features/upgrades to the present spec levels and the addition of a XUV300 W4 Special Edition.
The Mahindra XUV300’s safety credentials claim ”unmatched in class” status. During tests the GNCAP put the XUV300 through side- and front-offset crashes tests and scored 16.42 out of 17 for adult protection – five out of five stars.
The XUV300, with four stars for child protection, earned ‘Good’ or ‘Adequate” in all areas of occupant protection, cabin intrusion, and body deformation.
The entire XUV300 range has a minimum of two collision-protection bags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock disc brakes on all four wheels. All units will have IsoFix child restraints.
INTERIOR UPGRADES, TOO
Lastly, all units will have automatic door locks, collapsible steering column, and pre-tensioners/load limiters on front crash restraints but buyers of W8 units will get even more-thorough protection… five more impact bags, cornering brake-pressure control, and hill-hold.
The 2022 specification upgrade has some interior upgrades for all spec levels… All models, including the entry-level XUV300 W4, will have a ”dark cabin” – black fascia and black fake leather on W8 units to meet customers requests.
READ MORE Mahindra features on Carman’s Corner
The W6 includes a rear wiper/demister, satnav, and cruise control; the W8 dual-zone aircon, leather-wrapped steering-wheel, tyre-pressure monitors. sunroof, self-dimming rearview mirror, auto headlights and wipers, and driver’s-seat height adjustment.
Rajesh again: “From launch the XUV300 was presented as a no-compromise, compact, SUV. Every important convenience is present – even on basic models and W8 spec delivers more than most vehicles in its price range.”
Mahindra’s design team has upgraded the wheel design with multi-spoke, diamond-cut alloy. 16” wheel rims on all but entry models; the W4 has steel rims and the W4 SE its own design of 16” alloys with black and silver detailing.
A 16” spare wheel is now fitted to all models.
PETROL AND DIESEL ENGINES
The XUV300 will continue to offer both, except for the entry W4 petrol only.
The turbo-petrol engine is Mahindra’s own three-cylinder, 1.2-litre, capable of 81kW at 5000rpm/200Nm of torque from 2000-3500rpm, the diesel a new four-cylinder 1.5making 85.8kW at 3750rpm and 300Nm from 1500-2500rpm.
Each claims to deliver among of the best torque figures in class to spin a six-speed manual gearbox and drive the front wheels.
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