MAHINDRA TUV300

Mahindra TUV3OO Preview

Expected Launch: 10th September, 2015

Mahindra recently unveiled the first sketch of the TUV300, giving us the first glimpse of the upcoming compact SUV. Positioned between the Quanto and the Bolero, this sub-four-metre SUV will be officially launched in India on September 10.

Exterior

Unlike the Quanto, the TUV300 gets balanced proportions, which give it the look of a full-sized SUV. In terms of design, the sketch indicates that the front of the TUV300 will be heavily influenced by the Bolero. It gets a modern, yet utilitarian look thanks to the boxy-design and rugged styling cues like the bash plates, wide grille and roof mounted fog lamps. The headlamps get a swept back design, while the fog lamps are mounted on the lower bumper, right next to the bull bars. The sketch also shows bonnet-mounted mirrors, though these might be a part of the optional accessories. The side profile shows a tall belt line, which perfectly complements the boxy design. It also gets roof rails, 10-spoke alloy wheels and a tail-gate mounted spare wheel.

Interior

Though the company hasn’t divulged any details about the interior, previous spy shots have shown that the TUV300 will borrow quite a few components from the Scorpio and the XUV500. The layout gets a modern look with a black dashboard and faux aluminium inserts, to help Mahindra attract urban consumers. It will be equipped with a touchscreen and a modern infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth support. The multifunction steering wheel will get controls to manage the audio and telephony system. With two individual facing jump seats behind the second row, the seven-seat layout in the TUV300 will be identical to that of the Quanto.

Engine and Gearbox

The TUV300 is expected to be powered by a revised version of the existing 1.5-litre engine from the Quanto, called mHawk 80. The three-pot engine, in its current state of tune, delivers 100bhp and 240Nm of torque through a five-speed gearbox. Though the TUV300 will initially be available only as a two-wheel-drive car, Mahindra might eventually launch a four-wheel-drive version too.

Competition

As a sub-four-metre utility vehicle, the TUV300 will compete against the Ford EcoSport. We can expect its prices to start around Rs 6.5 lakh.