Mahindra XUV 300’s facelift will be extensive but not mechanical

A model that has remained largely under wraps since the emergence of its first facelift report in June, more details have been unearthed of the updated Mahindra XUV 300 ahead of its market debut next year.

Initial nuances

Mahindra’s smallest SUV after the discontinuation of the KUV 100 earlier this year, the now four-year old XUV 300 received a subtle makeover last year as part of a tech upgrade involving material changes, more standard specification and a new nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

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The model supposed to have provided the base for the updated Ford EcoSport, only for the joint venture between the Blue Oval and Mahindra to dissolve in 2021 after less than two years, the newfound revisions will involve the exterior and more extensive changes inside, but seemingly nothing up front.

What to expect

According to India’s gaadiwaadi.com, who obtained first images of the prototype undergoing testing, the external changes will be derived from the XUV 700 and include not only a restyled grille, but also new headlights, front and rear bumpers and redesigned alloy wheels.

Snapped in clear detail, the XUV 300’s dashboard has been altered to accommodate a brand-new tablet-style infotainment system, likely with first-time wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also new is the centre console, the physical switchgear for the climate control and the instrument cluster, which will reportedly be an all-digital affair on higher-end models.

The publication goes further by reporting notable new specification items comprising a 360-degree surround-view camera system, a panoramic sunroof and Park Assist.

Still the holder of the safest car in South Africa accolade after being crash tested by Global NCAP two years ago as part of its #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, only the top-spec W8 offers up to seven airbags versus the two of the lesser W4 and W6 variants.

Same same underneath

As mentioned, no changes are unexpected underneath the XUV 300’s bonnet, meaning the retention of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged mStallion petrol engine that produces 81kW/200Nm and the 1.5-litre four-cylinder mHawk turbodiesel rated at 86kW/300Nm.

Transmissions are likely to be made-up, once again, of the standard issue six-speed manual and the six-speed automated manual currently only available in India.

More soon

Tipped for an early 2024 debut based on a prior report, expect more details, including South African market confirmation, to be revealed within the coming weeks and months.

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