Mahindra XUV300 W2 : In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Mahindra XUV300 W2 emerges as a formidable contender, offering a blend of style, performance, and value that’s hard to ignore.
As the entry-level variant of the XUV300 lineup, the W2 brings Mahindra’s renowned SUV expertise to a more accessible price point, without compromising on the essentials that make the XUV300 a standout in its class.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Design That Turns Heads
The XUV300 W2 may be the base variant, but there’s nothing basic about its design. Mahindra has ensured that even at this price point, the XUV300 retains its striking appearance.
The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille flanked by sleek headlamps, giving the W2 a commanding presence on the road.
The sculpted bonnet and strong character lines along the sides contribute to its muscular stance, while the well-proportioned rear completes the SUV’s attractive silhouette.
Measuring 3995mm in length, 1821mm in width, and standing 1627mm tall, the XUV300 W2 strikes a perfect balance between compact dimensions for city maneuverability and a spacious interior for comfort.
The 2600mm wheelbase, one of the longest in its class, translates to generous interior space, a crucial factor for Indian families.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Power and Performance
Under the hood, the XUV300 W2 offers a choice of two robust powertrains:
- 1.2L Turbo Petrol Engine:
- Displacement: 1197cc
- Maximum Power: 110PS @ 5000rpm
- Peak Torque: 200Nm @ 2000-3500rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- 1.5L Diesel Engine:
- Displacement: 1497cc
- Maximum Power: 115PS @ 3750rpm
- Peak Torque: 300Nm @ 1500-2500rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox, offering a perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
The petrol variant boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of 17 kmpl, while the diesel variant pushes that figure to an impressive 20 kmpl.
The XUV300 W2’s power delivery is smooth and linear, making it equally adept at city crawls and highway cruises.
The torque-rich nature of both engines ensures that there’s always power on tap when needed, be it for overtaking maneuvers or climbing steep inclines.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Ride and Handling
One of the XUV300’s strongest suits is its ride and handling characteristics, and the W2 variant doesn’t disappoint.
The suspension setup, consisting of MacPherson struts with anti-roll bar at the front and a twist beam with coil spring at the rear, is well-tuned to tackle Indian road conditions.
It offers a plush ride quality that soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, without compromising on stability at higher speeds.
The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making city driving a breeze, while it weighs up nicely as speeds increase, offering good feedback and confidence on highways.
With a turning radius of just 5.3 meters, the XUV300 W2 proves to be surprisingly nimble in tight urban spaces.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the XUV300 W2, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels a class above. The intelligent use of space is evident, with ample head, shoulder, and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The seats are well-contoured and offer good support, making long journeys comfortable.
While the W2 is the base variant, Mahindra hasn’t skimped on the essentials. The cabin features durable, good quality materials, and the fit and finish are commendable for this price point.
The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with all controls within easy reach of the driver.
Storage spaces are plenty, with large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, and clever cubbyholes scattered throughout the cabin.
The 257-liter boot, while not the largest in its class, is well-shaped and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats for additional cargo space.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Features and Equipment
As the entry-level variant, the XUV300 W2 focuses on providing essential features without unnecessary frills. Standard equipment includes:
- Power windows
- Manual air conditioning
- Tilt-adjustable steering
- 12V power outlet
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Disc brakes on all four wheels
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Speed-sensing auto door locks
While it may lack some of the high-end features found in higher trims, the W2 variant covers all the bases for safety and basic comfort, making it an excellent value proposition.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Safety First
Mahindra has not compromised on safety with the XUV300 W2. It comes equipped with a robust set of safety features that include:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Corner Braking Control
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Speed-sensing auto door locks
- Impact-sensing auto door unlock
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
These features, combined with the XUV300’s strong body structure, have helped it secure a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Value Proposition
Priced competitively at Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the petrol variant and Rs. 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom) for the diesel variant, the XUV300 W2 offers exceptional value for money.
It brings the robustness and prestige of the Mahindra brand to a price point that’s accessible to a wide range of buyers.
When compared to its rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon, the XUV300 W2 holds its own in terms of build quality, safety features, and driving dynamics.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end variants, it provides a solid foundation for those looking to enter the compact SUV segment without breaking the bank.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Ownership Experience
Mahindra has been steadily improving its after-sales service network, and XUV300 owners benefit from this.
The company offers a standard warranty of 3 years/100,000 km, which can be extended for additional peace of mind.
With service centers spread across the country, maintaining the XUV300 W2 is relatively hassle-free.
The cost of ownership is kept in check thanks to the fuel-efficient engines and Mahindra’s efforts to standardize service costs.
For budget-conscious buyers, this makes the XUV300 W2 an even more attractive proposition in the long run.
Mahindra XUV300 W2 Conclusion: A Solid Foundation
The Mahindra XUV300 W2 proves that entry-level doesn’t have to mean compromise.
It offers a compelling package that combines stylish design, robust performance, and class-leading safety features at a price point that’s hard to beat.
While it may lack some of the luxuries found in higher trims, it provides all the essentials needed for a comfortable and safe driving experience.
For first-time SUV buyers, young families, or those looking for a reliable second car, the XUV300 W2 presents an excellent opportunity to own a vehicle that punches well above its weight class.
It embodies Mahindra’s commitment to providing value-packed, capable vehicles to the Indian market.
As the compact SUV segment continues to evolve, the XUV300 W2 stands as a testament to the fact that with clever engineering and thoughtful design, it’s possible to create a vehicle that satisfies both the heart and the head.
It’s not just a base variant; it’s a solid foundation upon which Mahindra has built a formidable contender in one of India’s most competitive automotive segments.