Mahindra TUV300 T10 Review

Mahindra TUV300 was the company’s first new-gen compact SUV. This made its entry after the company experimented with the Quanto. That vehicle didn’t do well due to multiple reasons and Mahindra did have a lot of learnings from that. The Mahindra TUV300 did have the tough and bold looks, it did appeal to many, but there were an array of launches that affected the sales. One of the major reasons was lack of power from the engine. Hence, this 1.5-litre got an upgrade in power to 100bhp making it good enough in performance. The AMT variant was also offered on the 100bhp engine.

The TUV300 lacked the finesse, the features and the touch and feel of materials. This was premium in a lot of a vehicles making them a good option to consider. Mahindra went back to the drawing board. They have come back with multiple additions that are offered on this new T10 variant. There are multiple new additions. So, what are the new offerings? We share all the details on this new TUV300 T10.

What’s new outside?

Mahindra TUV300 always looked good. Minor tweaks have been made it to its stylish. No it cannot be made more boxy, but it does get smoked-out headlamps, grey-colour alloy wheels, contrast roof and even the new spare wheel cover. This makes it lot better. The exterior looks much more appealing with the dual-tone colour scheme. The changes are minor but the TUV now looks a lot more stylish. These are minor changes but do add to the styling. The TUV300 with its under 4-metre length looks a bit off from the side.

More features inside?

Yes, some additional features on offer have enhanced the look and feel inside. The dashboard looks better with the combination of a  faux leather. The off-white and black leather looks good. The upholstery seems to be good enough in looks. There is an all new 7-inch touchscreen system too. This has bluetooth, navigation and reverse parking sensor. There is no reverse camera also. Now, when you look at the other elements, they haven’t changed on this SUV. Everything else is just the same. The power windows are located on the centre, there are sufficient storage spaces too. The centre has cup holders, storage for coins, bottle holders in the door pads. The seats have good enough comfort, and are suitable for long journeys too. Each of the seats has its own individual arm rests too. The

Moving to the second row of seats, there is sufficient head room. The knee room is tight. The back support could have been better. There is minimal padding for the rear passengers. This makes it difficult for long trips. The seat does feel uncomfortable. The third row seats are jump seats and these also feel uncomfortable. The shoulder width is limited and there isn’t much of room for two to sit. Tall passengers at the back means limited knee room also.

What’s under the hood?

There is no change in the engine of the TUV300. There is the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine underneath. Boy o boy! It never feels like a three-cylinder. There is minimal noise and vibration. This is what makes the TUV300 stand out in NVH levels. The lower variants come with 80bhp of power, while the higher variants have 100bhp at tap and 240Nm of maximum torque. This engine is a gem. It has sufficient torque. We were lugging across even in the third gear in city also. Most of the times you can drive in city traffic in the second gear too. This engine comes mated to a five-speed manual.

In the 80bhp version, there is no turbo kick. Which means to overtake one has to downshift on the highways. But the 100bhp is just too good. There is Eco mode too. In Eco mode, 100bhp feels like the 80bhp version. Then there is engine start-stop (tagged as ESS). So, when the engine restarts in this mode, you feel the gear vibrates on cranking. There is also a somewhat lag from the time you press the clutch until it starts. If you stop on a signal, and the car switches off. Do not switch off ESS then. The SUV will not start automatically, and not even when you press the clutch.

Mahindra TUV300 T10 Video Review

Driving Dynamics

The ride is soft and good enough for city driving. At about 80km/hr, the TUV300 somewhat feels wallowy. It isn’t unstable but does seem to be a bit nervous. On bad roads, the ride is absolutely unsettled. The SUV has been tuned with a soft suspension and hence it has pliant ride on most of the bad roads, unless its gets really bad. The height of the TUV300 plays against it. The same goes for handling. The foot print is under 4 metres, width is just fine and height a bit more. Due to ladder frame, the centre of gravity is also much higher. In short, it has a good amount of body roll. But this vehicle in the city is a king. Short turning radius, excellent all-round visibility. Large wing mirrors. Seating is a high commanding position. You will love driving it in the city. No one will dare to come ahead of you or cut you at any point.

Verdict

TUV300 is a good choice, only if its majorly driven by you and have one or two passengers to accompany. This isn’t a seven seater and is ideal to be used as a 4+2. The second row isn’t very comfortable and there aren’t too many features too. But this is the only compact SUV that feels like an SUV. At Rs 11.35 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai) it is an expensive option. We recommend buy the T8 as that is a good value for your money. Pick the TUV300 over the rest, only if you like to sit high and have majorly driving in the city.