Mahindra TUV300 review, test drive

A rugged, ladder-frame SUV with a new engine and a lot of space – all in a sub-four-metre footprint.

Published on Sep 10, 2015 01:20:00 PM

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Should I buy one?

Verito and e2o aside, when it comes to passenger vehicles, Mahindra is a maker of SUVs. Even the Xylo is butch enough to be counted as one. So it’s important for such a brand to fill every niche within the realm of SUVs, and as you’ll soon see, that is exactly the company’s plan. While the Scorpio and XUV500 are tackling the crop of bigger premium SUVs, the TUV300 wants specifically to wipe the smirk off the Ford EcoSport’s face, and as such, is the only other sub-four-metre SUV around, save for the slow-selling Premier Rio. And before you ask, the Quanto is being refreshed and repositioned to sell alongside the TUV. As much as we try to avoid sticking to a manufacturer’s marketing strapline, toughness is really what this car is all about. It gives you a sense of strength and hassle-free solidity that only a ladder-frame SUV can. Not to mention an all-encompassing driving position. It’s incredibly spacious too, and the engine is impressively refined and responsive, at least for urban use. This is also one of the best Mahindra interior designs yet, and shows how quickly the company is moving forward in this respect. Though we haven’t driven it yet, the TUV300 also has the option of an AMT gearbox, and 4x4 and petrol versions are a possibility in the future.

However, while we’re sure there will be plenty of takers for this tough, rugged look and feel at a relatively affordable price, it seems a bit of an oddity in this segment, where nimble dynamics, refinement and driving ease are also valued highly. In fact, it’s reflected in the slightly awkward proportions, which seem to be trying too hard. And finally, though Mahindra has made great strides in this area, fit and finish is still some way shy of global competition. So, while it’s not perfect, we will say the TUV300 is one of Mahindra’s best efforts yet, and if you think monocoque SUVs are not ‘real’ SUVs, or you want the Scorpio’s tough, rugged appeal in a smaller, more affordable package, this is the way to go.

GAVIN D’SOUZA