The Mahindra XUV300 launches in South Africa this week and we can confirm specifications and pricing for the stylish newcomer.

Indian carmaker Mahindra is quietly doing very well for itself. With theScorpio Pikup and compact KUV tallying up credible sales, Mahindra is launching the new XUV300 which takes on the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur and Ford EcoSport.

South Africa is the first market outside of India to receive the XUV300 and we'll be getting 2 engines and 2 trim levels.“The XUV300 is the newest product of that philosophy and combines fresh thinking and our bestengineering and design talent. We are very excited to see how our new compact SUV will not only wowcustomers in our second home – South Africa – but allow them to Rise!” says Mr Arvind Mathew – Chiefof International Operations Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

In terms of engines, Mahindra is offering a petrol and a diesel-powered XUV300 for SA. Kicking off the range is a 3-cylinder 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine with 81 kW and 200 Nm. The second engine is a 4-cylinder 1.5diesel and offers up 86 kW and 300 Nm. Both engines are mated to 6-speed manual transmission. Mahindra claims both engines were tested thoroughly in South Africa at the Gerotek facility, the identical venue where we conduct our Cars Awards-powered by WesBank.

Mahindra is offering the new XUV300 in W6 and W8 levels of trim. While there are a few differences, both feature a 17.8cminfotainment system with an aux port and USB connectivity. The new XUV300 is just under 4 metres long and 1.82 metres wide,and the cabin is claimed to be spacious, with the rear seats being able to fold flat in a 60/40 configuration.

We'll be driving the new Mahindra XUV300 on local soil this week and will share a launch review soon.

The cabin of the new Mahindra XUV300

XUV300 W6 Features

16-inch steel wheels

LED tail lamps

Follow me home, Lead me to car headlamps

Air conditioning

17.8cm infotainment system with nav, bluesense app, smartwatch connectivity, Bluetooth, Aux, USB

Four speakers

Electric windows

One touch lane change indicators

Safety features such as 2airbags, ABS, EBD, CBC, remote central locking, disk brakes all round, ISOFIX mounts, 5 seatbelts

XUV300 W8 Features

17-inch alloy wheels

Leather seats

Chrome upper and lower grille

Electrically folding mirrors

Dual zone climate control

Cruise control

Keyless entry with start/stop button

17.8cm infotainment system (same as above, but adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)

Six speakers

Safety features such as 7 airbags, ESP, front foglamps, rear foglamps, front and rear park distance control, reverse camera, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system

Mahindra XUV300 Price in South Africa (May 2019)

XUV300 1.2 petrol W6 R249 999

XUV300 1.5 diesel W6 R274 999

XUV300 1.2 petrol W8 R304 999

XUV300 1.5 diesel W8 R324 999

Further Reading

Mahindra XUV300 (2019) International Launch Review

Mahindra XUV500 (2018) Specs & Price

Mahindra to build bakkies in SA

Mahindra XUV500 2.2CRDe W10 Auto (2019) Review

Mahindra XUV 500 2.2 CRDe W8 Auto (2017) Launch Review