TUV300 dares compact SUV challengers

The Indian car market is already flooded with the ever-growing presence of sports utility vehicles (SUVs). All over the world, SUVs bring to mind images of mighty big bodies, imposing throttles, and a commanding presence on the road. In the Indian market, however, SUVs have been categorised into more specific offerings, especially based on more realistic, competitive pricing. Like the compact SUVs, which pack in a lot of features and that big vehicle feel, but in a smaller, yet robust, SUV body.

India’s price-sensitive market has responded well to compact SUVs, and many international players have created waves in this space. It was only a matter of time before India’s very own SUV legend Mahindra made its bid to stake out its space in this realm with its TUV300 (‘T’ in TUV stands for tough, while 300 is read as ‘three double O’).

Unlike its earlier compact machine, the Quanto, Mahindra hopes to ignite enthusiasm with TUV300. This is a newly developed SUV from the Mahindra stable, unlike the Quanto, which was derived from the MPV Xylo. Being a ladder-frame pure SUV, it packs quite a punch, and is aided by an even tougher stance.

When one speaks of the TUV’s looks, it must be said that the vehicle is built with a lot of seriousness, and macho spirit. The attitude which TUV300 brings with it is admirable. The vehicle’s imposing stance is visible at first blush. The SUV is smaller in size, yet built like a tank, and feels robust. What is most attractive is its bold front grille with chrome inserts, which are flanked by a pair of impressive static-bending headlamps. Its simplicity adds to its elegance, especially the front exteriors which take their cues from the tested Bolero. Also, a fresh visual element is the pair of square chrome-accented fog lamps that adds perspective to the TUV’s character.
A remarkable exterior feature is the tailgate-mounted spare wheel with a moulded cover. This is one of the most traditional aspects of an SUV’s body, and reflects the company’s pedigree in the utility vehicle space. Besides, stylish ski racks on the car’s roof further add the oomph factor.

The compact TUV300 stands at an overall height of 1,839 mm, with a length and width of 3,995 mm and 1,835 mm, respectively.

Touch out, soft within
For our test, we have the TUV300 T8, which is the top-most variant, which rest-assured, stores a host of tech goodies. To just see what, we must get in the car, and lo! the TUV300 T8 is as chic within, as on the outside. The vehicle’s toughness on the outside is beautifully complemented with a refined interior. From the elegance of the dash, to the sophistication and thoughtfulness of the features, a new meaning has been given to the term ‘space’. Despite the toughness, the car’s dual-tone interiors are premium and welcoming, thanks to the chrome finishes and metal accents.

Let’s begin with the well laid-out dashboard. While on the driver’s seat you are treated to a trendy, twin-pod instrument cluster, which is sure to provide the driver a pleasant reading of the car’s speed, mileage, fuel level, and so on. The car’s infotainment system comes with 2-DIN audio, Bluetooth, ASB, and AUX. A standout feature is the real-time data on the remaining distance the car can travel, with the available fuel. This can be accessed by the push of a button. Also, the piano-black centre fascia, and a sporty steering wheel, add more value to the interiors. As is the prerequisite for most cars today, the car offers steering-mounted controls for audio and phone commands.

Space is what the TUV’s interiors are all about. The car is a seven-seater (5+2) in the true sense of the term. The TUV300 offers more legroom, headroom, and elbowroom than most of the competition, besides spicing it up with favourable lumbar support  for front-row seats.

We are pleasantly surprised by the thoughtfulness of the designers who equipped both the front seats (driver and co-driver) with armrests, with the former also getting a seat height-adjuster. The two seats in the third row (boot area), can reasonably seat two adults, though it’s best for children while on one of those memorable family holidays.

Meanwhile, there is 720 litres of expandable boot space for a family’s big luggage. The seats are comfortable and the company has got everything right in terms of ergonomics. While seating is one aspect of a car’s greatness, driving is an altogether different arena. And yes! During any drive, anywhere, the cabin is so quiet that a baby can sleep in it.

Smooth gear shifts
Compact SUVs are made by their engines. Unlike their more conventional, larger siblings, compact SUVs don’t pack as much power, with their engines more in tune with mid-sized sedans. But at the same time, to add that SUV driving feel, smaller SUVs add more torque.
The TUV300 is powered by the advanced 1.5-litre mHawk80 diesel engine with a two-stage turbocharger that delivers 61.5 kW (84 Bhp) and best-in-class 230 Nm torque. While its external tank-like design makes one feel that it will thunder its way ahead, it does so in a regal and delicate style.

We decide to take the car on a long drive through the Hyderabad highway towards Bagepalli, touching Karnataka’s border with Andhra Pradesh. The comfort of the car is all the more motivating, apart from the fact that we are goaded by the cool cabin, kept that way by a power AC.

The Mahindra TUV300 is a powerful beast that packs in a lot of power, and is waiting to be accelerated. At one push of the accelerator pedal, the car swings into motion and touches 0–100 in a little over 17 seconds, which is not very great. But the vehicle is fast, and one could easily clock a top-speed of 160 kmph, with its reliable brakes doing the trick in case of any obstacles on the road.

Though the highway drive is fun and fast, we find the car vibrating a little at higher speeds in excess of 130 kmph. Also, the car we are driving has a five-speed manual transmission, which could have done with a sixth gear, for a car which is so hungry for power. But that said, the gear shifts are quite smooth. For those in need of more comfort while driving, the TUV300 offers autoSHIFT Automated Manual Transmission Technology (AMT) on a few variants. Also, its first-in-class ECO mode function ensures economical fuel consumption with an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 18.49 kmpl.

We leave the highway, and take the car through the sloppy roads on one of the nearby hillocks. The TUV300 impresses with its quick and smooth climb, and can easily ascend higher and higher through hilly roads, in the second or third gears, even as it retains its momentum. The torque, which is delivered to the rear wheels, is because of the fact that the car is a 2WD, while an SUV’s real deal is in being a 4WD or an AWD. To ensure better drive and handling, the TUV300 comes with cushion suspension technology with anti-roll bars, and a third generation chassis derived from the new Scorpio.

There is safety you can feel. The TUV300 comes with a toughened, high-strength steel body shell, crumple zones, hydro-formed crush tips and strong side intrusion beams for all-round impact protection, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner brake control (CBC). The TUV300 is available in the following variants: T4 and T4+; T6, T6+ and T6+ auto SHIFT; T8, and T8 auto SHIFT — priced between Rs 7.11 lakh and Rs 9.37 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru).

Mahindra has wowed India with its SUV offerings for years, and the TUV300 is another addition to that list, a tough tank with a thoughtful touch. It is a strong contender in the market, but it’s to be seen if it has the prowess to shake, if not dominate, the competition.