Mahindra will inject a dose of freshness with a major update to the slow selling XUV300.
A heavily camouflaged test mule of a compact SUV was recently spied on our roads which reports claim is Mahindra’s rival to the Tata Punch. However, while the ‘TN 19’ registration plate confirms that it indeed is a Mahindra test mule, the model spied is actually a majorly updated XUV300.
Internally codenamed the S220, this will be the first mid-lifecycle update for the XUV300 compact SUV since its launch in 2019. The Mahindra XUV300 facelift is expected to pack in comprehensive cosmetic updates inside out, but is expected to remain mechanically unchanged to the current model.
- Updated XUV300 to get fresh design, new interior
- No mechanical changes expected
- Expected to launch by end of 2023
Mahindra XUV300 facelift: what do the spy shots show
The spotted test mule is heavily camouflaged, thereby concealing all details, but the rake of the windscreen, the shape of the glasshouse, the tall and upright nose and the overall stance are some giveaways about this being a heavily updated XUV300. And while the test mule dons temporary headlights and tail lights, we can tell that the XUV300 facelift will come with a completely redesigned front and rear end.
What’s visible through the camouflage is a new two-part grille with a large central air intake and all-new headlamp housings. At the rear, it gets a completely new tail gate that’s much flatter and has the number plate housing now positioned on the bumper. The bumper itself looks more sculpted and there could also be an LED light bar connecting the tail lamps. Going by the shape of the glasshouse, and as is typical to facelifts, the XUV300 is expected to remain largely unchanged in profile, although a new design for the alloys can certainly be expected.
An interesting point to note is that while the current XUV300 is styled in line with the Ssangyong Tivoli given Mahindra’s then partnership with the Korean carmaker, the new XUV300 will have completely unique styling. The XUV300 facelift will carry forward the underpinnings, but having cut ties with Ssangyong, the facelifted model will get fresh design inside out that will be more in-line with the newer Mahindra SUVs like the XUV700 and the Scorpio N.
And while there has been no sighting of the interior yet, there are talks of a revamped dashboard design and provision for upgraded equipment and infotainment screen, among others. Importantly, the XUV300 will continue to be differentiated from the XUV400 that is an all-electric SUV and slightly longer than 4 meters as well.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift powertrain options
Under the hood, the XUV300 facelift is expected to continue with its existing 110hp and 130hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol units, as well as the 117hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The gearbox options will likely be carried over unchanged as well. Mahindra has already updated its existing engines to meet latest BS6.2 emissions regulations and E20 fuel-compliance, and likewise, the test mule can also be seen with an ‘E20 fuel’ sticker.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift expected launch and rivals
The XUV300 facelift is expected to officially debut towards the end of this year, and will continue to rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza among others. In this segment, the Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet are also due to receive their own mid-lifecycle updates by August this year.
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