Mahindra’s tough and stylish SUV – the TUV300
Before we tested the Mahindra TUV300, you might remember our review on Mahindra’s previous edition to the compact SUV market, the KUV100. While we loved its quirky and fun-to-drive attributes, the KUV100 felt more like a raised hatchback, rather than an SUV.
Now, Mahindra has introduced the TUV300 and after having tested it for a week around Cape Town’s peninsula, I’m left feeling super impressed by the experience, both on and off road.
Also read: Car Review: Mahindra KUV100
It’s large enough to comfortably seat 5 people, and if you have an extra two passengers who don’t mind sitting right at the back on two fold-out chairs facing one another, you could easily seat 7 people. Actually, after carting 6 friends around the peninsula, the seating arrangements in the TUV300 made for a great social environment inside as we head from Constantia to Hout Bay.
According to Sanjoy Gupta, CEO, Mahindra South Africa “The new Mahindra TUV300 is an authentic off-roader that combines arresting, aggressive looks with a rugged chassis and a willing drivetrain. The TUV300 has been designed and developed to tackle challenging conditions around the globe, including South Africa. We believe it will be popular amongst buyers seeking something more than just another soft-roader. In fact, they will also benefit from the vehicle’s inherent build integrity, economical running costs and its go-anywhere capability.”
On the outside
Mahindra says that the new TUV300 has been inspired by the design of a battle tank. It’s a bit of an aggressive description but you’ll spot the resemblance from a distance. With its high front nose and ground clearance it fits into South Africa’s SUV segment.
“It is available in South Africa in top-spec T8 M/T form, has a bold, rugged appearance and toughened high strength steel body that allows it to tackle any challenge thrown at it. Its clean, chiselled lines are distinctive and purposeful, creating a shape that highlights its prominent shoulders, an elevated front end, short overhangs, raised ground clearance, and an angular, purposeful silhouette.”
Inside
Inside, the TUV300 really does offer a lot in terms of space and comfort. Leg and headroom was ample for back passengers and the cabin itself feels roomy and spacious! The durable fabric upholstery is extremely comfy and soft to touch (as indicated by those who happily fell asleep on the back seats when driving home).
There’s a lot that’s offered as standard in the new TUV300. Driver and passenger airbags, aircon, the Mahindra multi-media system which includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX inputs, and a multi-functional steering wheel, to name a few.
“The clearly legible, circular instruments for speed and rev count are housed in a binnacle directly ahead of the driver, while the digital display for the trip computer is located between the two dials.”
Safety
Apart from driver and passenger airbags, occupants can take comfort in knowing that the new Mahindra TUV300’s braking system is fitted with ABS anti-lock control, which incorporates electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Automatic door locking is also standard.
Behind the wheel
A 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine featuring twin-stage turbocharging powers the Mahindra TUV300. It has a maximum power output of 73.5 kW at 3750 r/min and a peak torque of 240 N.m, sustained between 1600 and 2800 r/min.
Even with 7 occupants, I found the KUV300 to be surprisingly punchy and zippy while charging up Ou Kaapse Weg, especially when pulling off. It really is a lot of fun to drive once you’re used to it. Suspension is smooth thanks to Mahindra’s Cushion Suspension Technology, and even though you sit fairly high above ground, there isn’t too much body-roll when taking on corners.
If you really want to improve on economy you can switch to ECO mode.
Pricing
The new Mahindra TUV300 is on sale through Mahindra South Africa’s national dealer network, and will be offered in a choice of four colours: Molten Orange Majestic Silver Glacier White Dynamo Red.
The recommended retail price of the Mahindra TUV300 T8 Manual is R229 995 The price includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a three-year/ 90 000km service plan with first service at 10 000km followed by intervals of 20 000km
Source: Mahindra South Africa