Mahindra XUV300 – Officially the safest car in Africa!
Mahindra has been in South Africa for a couple of decades, offering tough-as-nails work vehicles. Then it started offering classy and quality SUVs at very good prices – and these were immediately successful. But now it has released its most appealing car yet with the launch of the stunning 2022 Mahindra XUV300. The reason it is so attractive is not just because it is a stunning car – which it is – or all the luxury features – which it has. The reason we first took notice is that it comes with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, the first car from India to do so and the only one in Africa to carry that title.
The XUV300 comes in three trim levels, the W4, W6 and the W8. All three are loaded with safety features, but let’s look at the W8’s safety pedigree. First in segment 7 airbags and disc brakes on all four wheels, hill-start assist, heated mirrors for chilly mornings, electronic stability control, fog lamps, front parking sensor and rear parking assist and even a tyre position indicator. ISOFIX anchors will keep the kiddies safe too.
Each trim level comes with the choice of a 1.2-litre turbo petrol or 1.5-litre turbo diesel, both engines with a 6-speed manual transmission. The petrol will give you 81 kW and 200 Nm, while the impressive diesel will give you 85.8 kW and class-leading 300 Nm of torque. The petrol uses 6.33-litres per 100km, while the frugal diesel sips only 4.84-litres per 100km.
The exterior is stunning, nicely balanced with a floating roof design, dual-tone roof rails and 16 – 17-inch alloy wheels. Then you get good ground clearance, high-profile tyres and a sturdy body for when you want to go on the road less travelled. Projector headlights with DRL (daytime running lights), LED taillights and – a nice touch – LED indicators on the side mirrors all add wonderfully to the general good looks.
The cabin is also trim level-dependent, but the top model gives you great leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control with 3 memory settings, three steering modes and a sunroof. Think about the dual-zone climate control for a moment. You know when the aircon is just right for you, but your passenger complains that it is too cold. So: dual-zone, one for each of you – marvellous!
You also get a 17.8cm touchscreen with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay ability, Bluetooth, USB and AUX. Push to start and keyless entry feels very James Bond, as does the eco app that can talk to your smartphone and smartwatch.
The Mahindra XUV300 not only gives you the safest drive in its class, but it also gives you all the luxury features you would want, and all this is wrapped in a very good-looking car. But how is the drive? The only way to find out is to book a test drive.
