Mahindra’s TUV300
The Mahindra TUV300 is difficult to define. It competes in the 7-seater SUV market, but at a very good price. You could compare it to the 7-seater MUVs, but the Mahindra offers far more go-anywhere grunt than any of its competition there.
Let’s look at the grunt first. For starters, the TUV300 is rear-wheel drive, since it was based on the chassis and drivetrain specified for military vehicles used by the Indian army. This rear-wheel-drive, strong chassis and high ground clearance give the TUV300 genuine rough road ability. No urban warrior this.
The power to these rear wheels is provided by the proven 1.5L mHAWK100 turbo diesel going through the 5-speed manual gearbox. This gives an excellent 74.57kW of power and a massive 240Nm torque at a very frugal 5.4L per 100km. The 80L fuel tank means you can keep going and going.
Above the chassis, the TUV300 4×4 style body looks tough but refined. Not too much chrome, but enough for good looks. Details like body-coloured door handles and exterior spare-wheel cover add smooth sophistication, while the square wheel arches, aggressive bonnet line and prominent roof rails remind you of the underlying toughness.
Tough does not have to be rough or basic. The TUV300 is a fully equipped SUV. It comes with power steering, tiltable steering, eco-driving mode, full infotainment suite with Bluetooth, aircon, front and rear electric windows, and mobile charging port. It has all the cupholders and other bells and whistles SUV drivers would want. So a pretty luxurious package built on a tough base.
How safe is the TUV300? It has driver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS and EBD, a collapsible steering column side intrusion beams, digital immobiliser, seat belt reminder and door that lock automatically when you drive. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard.
Inside the TUV300 is really spacious. Seven seats (5 + 2) means you can transport a small crowd. The huge boot (394L expandable to 720L) means you can take their luggage as well.
The first service is after 10 000km, thereafter a generous 20 000km. Warranty and road-side assistance are both 3-year/100 000km, while the service plan is 3-year/90 000km. Starting at R249 999 (Oct 2019), all this give you a lot of car for your buck.
But see for yourself. Why not test drive the go-anywhere-in-style Mahindra TUV300?
