Mahindra TUV300 First Drive Road Test Review

Beyond 1500 rpm to around 2000 plus rpm, the turbos again work in tandem but with a different set of functions that results in better optimisation of fuel efficiency and performance at higher engine speeds.

Mahindra’s have always built vehicles that have been tough and rugged. They may not be the best when it comes to extreme luxury and comfort. Yet their vehicles are comfortable and luxurious in a very satisfying way.  The TUV300 compact SUV is being offered in several variants—T4, T4+, T6, T6+, T6+AMT, T8 and T8 AMT.  As you go up the model range, so do the features get better. When the engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, it delivers a peak 84bhp@3750rpm. With the AMT  (Automated Manual Transmission called autoShift) it produces 81bhp@3750rpm. The torque is a stiff 230Nm@ 1500-2250rpm.  

We got the T8 model with a manual transmission for a test drive. The Dynamite Red colour got us a lot of attention. As I took it out of my parking for a drive, I noticed some of my neighbours staring at it. Several of them owned SUVs from different manufacturers. I could only spot a few Veer Singh kind of customer around me.

On the looks front---Yes, I now I believe every word that the top honchos at Mahindra said about this vehicle, that its design has been inspired by a battle tank. The TUV300 does have a bold design. The chunky grille, the imposing bumpers, the alloy wheels, the tailgate mounted spare wheel, et al, they are all impressively styled.

The interiors too are impressive, not overloaded with gizmos and features. The dual tone black and beige interiors look good with a dash of chrome and metal finish around it. The hexagon shaped centre bezel looks chic. The infotainment system comprises 2-DIN audio, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX . It has a neat and stylish steering wheel with audio and phone controls mounted on it. It also has a sporty twin-pod instrument cluster. There are lot of storage spaces provided inside, especially on every inside door panel to keep bottles and other knick knacks.

When it comes to driving on the battered Indian roads, especially the roads of a monsoon soaked Delhi, the TUV300 is a clear winner. If any Indian thinks he can drive at speeds above 150km her hour for a long time, he has to be off his rockers. Or else he needs to book the Buddh International Circuit for a very long time. The TUV300 is not a rocket or a missile; it’s a solid vehicle that can touch speeds of 100kmph plus real quick. Thanks to the great suspension, (cushion suspension technology with anti-roll bars), a 3^rd generation chassis for superior ride & handling and micro-hybrid technology, the TUV300 rides like a breeze over rough patches and broken tarmac.

As for the safety features, the TUV300  is made of toughened high strength steel body shell for all around impact protection, 3^rd generation crash-worthy chassis, to endure low and high speed crashes, front crash sensors and automatic door locking to prevent doors from openly accidently. The company also maintains that the vehicle has hydro-formed crush tips that collapse in case of impact and help protect the passengers. It’s built strong like a battle tank and looks like one too. If you have a hatchback in your garage, then it’s time to buy this Mahindra battle tank.