ZEEGNITION / Ishaan Rastogi
India's largest utility vehicle maker, Mahindra and Mahindra has announced pre-launch bookings for its new compact SUV christened the TUV300 that began September 1, followed by its official launch on September 10. Buyers can pre-book the car by paying a token amount of Rs 20,000 at any Mahindra dealership across India.
We answer five of the most essential questions with regard to the newest member of the Mahindra family.
What is it?
The TUV300 is Mahindra’s answer to the EcoSport; a compact sub-four metre SUV designed by Mahindra to capitulate one of India’s hottest automotive segments. The TUV300 will be pitted against the likes of the Ford Eco Sport albeit at a far more conservative price point. It was initially thought to be the replacement for the Bolero but as it turns out, both SUVs will be sold together. As we understand, unlike the Bolero which sold like hotcakes owing to the incredible demand it received in rural areas, the TUV300 is targeted more towards city users. Mahindra’s previous attempt at selling a compact SUV didn’t go according to plan as the Quanto’s build and styling failed to impress the discerning urban population.
What to expect?
The TUV300 will be available with the same 1.5-litre diesel engine fitted in the Quanto but keep in mind that this new mHawk80 series engine is expected to be a significantly updated version of the three-cylinder mill currently found in the Quanto. The TUV300 is likely to be offered in three trim levels – a basic T4 level, a mid-range T6 level and a top-of-the-line T8 variant. The TUV300 will also be offered with an AMT gearbox. Other features are set to include power windows, option of six colours, alloys, airbags and ABS although the model specific features are yet to be unveiled. In terms of seating arrangement, the TUV300 follows the Quanto’s design lingo and Mahindra has managed to squeeze in two single jump seats at the rear effectively making it a seven seater.
What does it look like?
The TUV300 is a beefy looking thing going by the numerous spy shots on the internet. The upright front end follows Mahindra’s present design philosophy which is clearly indicated by the signature vertically-sectioned grille with chrome inserts, similar to those found on Jeep brand vehicles. The entire profile of the car is very angular and you can see that Mahindra has tried to embed this into almost every aspect of the vehicle’s design; from the wrap-around headlights and rectangular fog lamps to the slanted window line that runs along the sides and ends in an abruptly boxy rear profile.
The black roof rails, rear windscreen wiper and tailgate mounted spare wheel with cover, add some much needed character to the rear end although the shape is overly reminiscent of the Quanto. Another stand-out element is the enormous front bumper with a tiny front overhang which suggests that an off-road worthy version of the TUV300 may be a future possibility. What’s interesting to note is that the TUV300 was designed with help from Italian design firm Pininfarina, a company that Mahindra had recently tried to purchase before the deal fell through.
From the inside, the TUV300 will come with all standard in-car comforts that its competitors have on offer. Spy shots have revealed that the steering wheel will come equipped with telephony and audio controls for an advanced infotainment system that will offer AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The interiors are likely to be offered in a dual-tone beige-black colour combination.
What will it cost?
The TUV300 could be priced around the Rs 6.5-7 lakh mark, making it a slightly complex vehicle in terms of market positioning owing to the fact that its low price tag will undercut pretty much all other compact SUVs in the market. However one of the biggest quandaries that Mahindra will face is that by pricing the TUV300 so low, the Indian manufacturers will not only have to fend off its mini SUV rivals like the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross but premium hatchbacks as well, such as the Hyundai i20 Elite and the Honda Jazz which fall in the same price bracket. At such a stage it’s hard to consider both types of vehicles under one umbrella because whereas the TUV300 offers space for seven and high ground clearance, the hatchbacks will be far more refined and comfortable, easier to live with and much better equipped.
When will it arrive?
Mahindra has announced that pre-launch bookings for the TUV300 will begin on September 1 although sources have revealed that a few dealers have already begun taking advance booking amounts of Rs 20,000. The official launch date has been set for September 10 with deliveries likely to begin around the Ganesh Chaturthi festival which falls in the third week of September.
