Mahindra TUV300 review, road test

Tough, spacious, practical but lacks sophistication. The TUV300 might be a compact SUV with a footprint shorter than four metres, but it carries the core values of old-school Mahindras – space and toughness. It is a bit too utilitarian in most aspects, performance and dynamics aren’t great, fit and finish though improved has a long way to go and the design comes across as a bit too garish and unrefined for most. But you have to consider who its real target audience is. It doesn’t seem like Mahindra is anticipating a lot of demand from urban areas, where an easy-to-drive and stylish crossover would be preferred. The TUV, instead, makes a strong case as a product for the growing demand for SUVs from Tier II and III markets, whose tastes and requirements are completely different. It is ideal for such markets, where roads aren’t always well paved and the extra two seats will be appreciated too. The tough styling will likely go down better there too, while upmarket features like Bluetooth and parking sensors are also very welcome these days.The TUV300 is a big step-up from the Quanto, but still lacks the sophistication to pass muster as a regular car. But as a tough runabout in tough conditions, it does the job. With prices ranging from Rs 6.98-9.20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it’s decent value too.