Mahindra XUV300 petrol automatic review

“May you recommend what new automotive I should purchase?” is the commonest query us automotive journalists are requested. And most of the time, even with petrol costs at a document excessive, that first query is at all times adopted up with a press release – “I would like a petroleum and an automated.”

SUVs, even the sub 4-metre ones have at all times been aspirational and never having a petrol-automatic possibility within the line-up is a lacking piece. To plug that hole, Mahindra has added an AMT choice to the turbo-petrol XUV300. Is it now simpler and extra handy to drive?

The XUV300 petrol-AMT is supposed to plug an important hole for Mahindra.

Mahindra XUV300 petrol AMT: How does it drive?

The XUV300’s AMT unit is an automatic model of the 6-speed handbook equipped by Magneti Marelli and developed in-house by Mahindra. It’s truthful to say that this one of many best-tuned AMTs available in the market and the gearbox calibration provides a stage of smoothness you don’t usually affiliate with AMTs. Whereas there’s nonetheless a noticeable quantity of typical ‘AMT nod’ in between gear shifts, it’s masked to an incredible extent by the punchy and clean 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that makes 110hp and 200Nm of torque. At common freeway cruising speeds the gearbox responds properly however when pushed actually onerous, you will see it a bit gradual to shift gears as in comparison with a torque converter automated unit.

6-speed AMT unit gels properly with the punchy turbo-petrol engine.

For metropolis driving, the AMT does a high-quality job and is impressively responsive at half throttle. In truth, it may be a bit too responsive and has sharp clutch engagement, which makes beginning off on inclines a bit difficult. A extra progressive clutch can be welcome for stepping off in stop-start circumstances. What’s good is that it does have a creep mode that does turn out to be useful whereas driving in usually dense city site visitors.

An attention-grabbing function is the best way the gear lever is oriented. Sometimes, the gearshift sample in an automated is in a single line, with Drive-Impartial-Reverse-Park operating from backside to the highest however within the XUV300 AMT, the sample is sort of completely different and does take some getting used to. Firstly, there isn’t any ‘Park’ as is typical with AMTs. Impartial is engaged when the motive force pulls the lever to the proper and drive when the lever is pushed to the left. One also can have interaction a handbook mode by nudging the shifter to the left a second time after which pull the lever all the way down to go down a gear or push it as much as go up a gear. Curiously, nevertheless, participating the handbook mode however not utilizing the lever to manually change gears ends in the gearbox holding the gear for a for much longer interval within the rev vary – a form of compromise for not having a ‘sport’ mode like a number of different AMT gearboxes appear to get.

Typical AMT head nod is properly contained.

Mahindra XUV300 petrol AMT: What’s new on the inside and outside?

On the skin, there are not any modifications to the XUV300 other than a small ‘autoSHIFT’ badge on the tailgate. Within the prime spec W8(O) trim that you just see right here, it nonetheless will get the 17-inch wheels, these slightly iconic LED daytime operating lights and a two-tone possibility, all of which do assist it stand out. That stated, some options, like LED headlamps, are nonetheless lacking and would have been an incredible addition simply to present it that little additional.

In addition to the autoSHIFT badge, there isn’t any modifications to the outside.

Identical to on the skin, there are not any design modifications to the inside both. The dashboard remains to be good and the touchscreen will get options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The category-leading rear seat area and luxury too stays unchanged, though on the expense of boot area. Nevertheless, we do want Mahindra would have changed that archaic-looking centre console, which holds the local weather management panel and a small orange backlit display screen, to one thing slightly extra fashionable.

There isn’t any modifications on the within both.

Mahindra XUV300 petrol AMT: Linked automotive options

The AMT variations – each petrol and diesel on the highest spec W8(O) variant – will now get Mahindra’s new Blue Sense Plus linked automotive tech. Obtainable by a well-built and simple to make use of app on each iOS and Android platforms, this lets you monitor the automotive in real-time, together with different options like geo-fencing and distant diagnostics. It should additionally enable you keep watch over important knowledge like gasoline ranges or tyre pressures. It additionally permits you to distant lock and unlock the automotive, flash the lights and toot the horn – options typical to linked automotive tech, which are actually turning into extra widespread throughout the board.

Mahindra Blue Sense Plus linked automotive tech is simply out there on the top-spec AMT variants.

Mahindra XUV 300 petrol AMT: Trip and Dealing with

The XUV 300 is the one automotive in it’s section that will get variable steering modes – Regular, which is the default setting, Consolation and Sport. Regular and luxury are perfect for metropolis driving circumstances as it’s mild and simple it use in site visitors or whereas parking. Sport mode does weigh it up a bit, however actually, there isn’t a lot suggestions total. That stated, there’s a good bit of grip as a result of manner the suspension is about up and the XUV 300 does really feel very taught and planted. Trip high quality as with the handbook automotive is plush for a automotive of this class and like with each Mahindra, it flattens unhealthy roads with minimal shocks filtering into the cabin.

Mahindra XUV300 petrol AMT: Verdict

As a package deal then, the Mahindra XUV300 petrol-AMT is a superb addition to the already huge choices out there available in the market – from different AMTs, CVTs, standard torque converters and, in fact, the dual-clutch gearboxes. With costs starting from Rs 9.95-11.77 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), we predict the XUV300 is, as we’ve got already stated it, top-of-the-line petrol AMTs available in the market immediately and positively warrants nearer consideration than ever earlier than.