Mahindra XUV300

We Say: On Paper, Mahindra’S Third Crack At Sub-4 Metre SUVs Has All It Takes To Be A Success. Time To Test It In Realworld Conditions, Then

- Devesh Shobha

Say hello to the all-new XUV3OO – Mahindra’s fitting reply to the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport. On paper, the XUV300 not only betters its rivals on parameters such as dimensions and engine specs, but also boasts segment-first creature comforts. So, does Mahindra’s third monocoque platformbased SUV have what it takes to challenge the best in the business? We think it does. And it all starts with the looks.

It is a handsome-looking compact SUV. In fact, when viewed in person, it looks a lot like an improved version of the Brezza with sharper creases and much better looking lights. The alloy wheel design, too, adds to the XUV3OO’s overall styling. The dual colour red-black specimen you see here is the top-end W8 variant with all the ‘Option’ boxes ticked, making this the best-looking Mahindra to date. Doesn’t it? Wondering how M&M created such a looker? Well, the secret is that it’s a SsangYong Tivoli at heart that’s been Mahindra-nised to suit the needs of our market. No, don’t get your “no wonder” statements out just yet.