Mahindra is readying to launch a facelifted model of XUV300. Test mules of the updated subcompact SUV have been frequently spotted on Indian roads over the past few months. We now have an update regarding the launch of the new XUV300.
As per a recent Autocar India report, Mahindra is expected to debut the new XUV300 in February 2024. The report further confirms that prices of the SUV will be announced around the same time. The facelifted XUV300 will launch on the heels of the updated XUV400 EV, which will go on sale in January.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift launch
The subcompact SUV segment is a very competitive space and the XUV300 seems to be lagging behind competition. Tata Motors upgraded the Nexon with a comprehensive facelift in September this year and Kia is about to do the same with Sonet later this month. Maruti and Hyundai have kept their respective subcompact SUVs up to date.
Therefore, it is imperative for Mahindra to provide a comprehensive update to the XUV300 which hasn’t received a proper facelift ever since it was first launched in 2018. Recent spy shots have suggested a tweaked exterior styling for the upcoming XUV300. For instance, it gets a completely redesigned front fascia featuring new headlamps and round fog lamps. The headlamp cluster receives revised C-shaped LED DRLs inspired by the larger XUV700.
At the rear, the tailgate has been reshaped while the wraparound tail lights have given way to sleeker vertically-oriented LED units. More importantly, the registration plate is now housed on the rear bumper instead of the tailgate as seen in the older model. As a result, the rear bumper is reprofiled featuring new chrome inserts. Side profile remains unchanged for most parts except for different alloy wheels.
Mahindra is expected to carry forward the same engine options as the outgoing model which include a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 109 bhp and 200 Nm of torque; the 1.2-litre turbocharged mStallion petrol engine that makes 128 bhp and 230 Nm of torque; and the 1.5-litre diesel engine that makes 115 bhp and 300 Nm of torque.
That said, Mahindra could replace the jerky 6-speed AMT with a proper torque converter unit. A six-speed manual transmission will be a standard offering.
Mahindra XUV300 EV launch
Besides the XUV300 and XUV400 facelift, Mahindra will also launch a new XUV 300. Slated to make its debut in June next year, this new electric SUV will reportedly sit below the XUV400 and is expected to be slightly smaller than the latter. It is no secret sales for XUV300 have been slow in comparison to its direct rival– Tata Nexon EV.
With the new XUV300 EV, Mahindra aims to launch a more alternative all-electric SUV option in the subcompact space, thus giving it a competitive edge over rivals. Upon launch, the XUV300 EV will squarely aim at the Medium Range Nexon EV.
A separate Autocar India report mentions that XUV300 EV will feature a 35kWh battery instead of the 45kWh unit available in XUV400. However, there are no details on the range or electric motor specifications at this moment. As for price, XUV300 EV is expected to be priced around Rs 15 lakh-17 lakh (ex-showroom) which will make it around Rs 2 lakh less than XUV400.
Source: Autocar India
