MAHINDRA XUV300 DIESEL W8 MANUAL

Following a good first impression, how will the XUV300 fare in the long run?

As mentioned in last month’s introduction, we had already planned a road trip for our longterm XUV300 test car. Of course, before leaving on the 280 km round trip to attend a wedding in Baardskeerdersbos, there was the customary bachelor’s party. The agenda of the day: a fierce game of paintball.

I packed in a few old towels so I don’t sully the light-coloured leatherette seats of the XUV300 cabin trim. After I was turned into a canvas of splatter reminiscent of a Jackson Pollock painting, I hopped into the XUV300, battered and bruised. Sure, the interior’s light hue lends it an airy atmosphere but it’s not the most practical. Mahindra does, however, offer W8 petrol and diesel derivatives with a Black Leather package, adding R10 000 to the standard asking price. On balance, it is probably worth it.

Now on to the road trip. Although the XUV300’S 160-litre boot capacity is sufficient for the weekly shop, it’s quite the opposite when packing luggage for two for a weekend getaway. Fortunately, the 60:40-split rear pews free up an additional 832 litres of space. Apple Carplay activated, our destination entered into Google Maps, and favourite road-trip tune selected, a friend and I set off in the Mahindra.

Swapping cogs is effortless, thanks to the six-speeder’s light gearshifts. Once on the open road and in top ratio, the XUV300 easily cruised at the national limit. Overtaking slow-moving vehicles was a cinch as the 1,5-litre turbodiesel’s 300 N.m is on tap from a lowly 1 500 r/min. Fuel efficiency was commendable, too, with the digital trip computer indicating a mere 5,88 L/100 km.

Upon arrival at the venue, the XUV300 met with great interest. Guests wanted to know more about the small, affordable crossover and have a peek inside. A number commented favourably on the Mahindra’s exterior and interior design, and standard equipment.

Since then, the XUV300 has served mostly as a daily driver in urban environments, which I’ll be sure to report back on in next month’s update.