Photography: Mohd. Nasir
SUV leader in India Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has
launched its latest sports utility vehicle (SUV), the TUV300 at Chakan in Pune,
Maharashtra. The vehicles will be available at Mahindra dealerships across
India from September 10 and will have starting price of Rs. 6.90 lakh (ex
showroom Pune) for the T4 variant. The vehicle will come in three variants—T4,
T6 and the top end T8. While the entry level T4 will also have an optional
variant, the T6 and T8 will have two optional variants. The latter two variants
will have the option of an AMT or an autoSHIFT transmission.
The TUV300 has a 7-seater (5+2) configuration. The “true-blue” SUV
will have as part of its exterior design, features like an aggressive bold
grille with chrome inserts, static bending headlamps, stylish ski racks and
sporty alloy wheels. It has a dual tone black & beige interiors, a stylish
hexagon-shaped center bezel, piano-black centre fascia, an infotainment system
comprising 2 din audio, Bluetooth, USB, AUX and steering-mounted audio and
phone controls and the sporty twin pod instrument cluster,
TUV300 is powered by a new and advanced 1.5 litre mHawk80 diesel
engine with a 2-stage turbocharger that delivers 61.5 kW (84 Bhp) and peak
230Nm torque. In fact, the TUV300 is
India’s only SUV with autoSHIFT Automated Manual Transmission Technology (AMT).
The ECO mode function ensures economical fuel consumption with an ARAI-certified
fuel efficiency of 18.49kmpl.
The car comes with a toughened high strength steel body shell,
hydro-formed crush tips, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and automatic door lock. It
will be available in 7 variants and 6 shades of Verve Blue, Dynamite Red,
Molten Orange, Glacier White, Majestic Silver and Bold Black. One can also
order an combat green colour for the SUV.
Inspired by the design of a battle tank, the TUV300 has a tough,
bold and stylish look. The TUV300 comes with a toughened high strength steel
body shell for all-round impact protection, a 3rd Generation crash-worthy
chassis with high torsional stiffness & durability, hydro-formed crush tips
that collapse in case of impact and help protect passengers, Dual Airbags,
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD),
Corner Brake Control (CBC) to maintain the driver-intended path during braking
while turning, Automatic door locking to prevent doors from opening
accidentally, crumple zones and strong side intrusion beams.
The host of technology features include Static-bending headlamps,
brake energy regeneration, Intellipark Reverse Assist, steering-mounted audio
& phone controls, Voice Messaging System, Driver Information System, Follow
me home & Lead me to vehicle headlamps, Mahindra’s BlueSense mobile app and
Micro-Hybrid Technology.
Speaking at the launch, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group,
noted, “The launch of the TUV300 is of special significance to the Mahindra
Group as it represents our ‘Rise’ philosophy in action. Our development team used
alternative thinking to deliver a vehicle with a high level of technology and
performance at an unbeatable price. The TUV300 embodies Mahindra’s ’Tough and
Rugged’ DNA which makes me confident that it will be a brand creator in its
segment and find favour both in India and globally”.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
said, “The launch of all new TUV300 is a proud moment in the automotive journey
for Mahindra. Conceptualized and developed at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV)
Chennai, the TUV300 is a clear manifestation of our participation in the ‘Make
in India’ mission. As the market leader of SUVs in India, it has always been
our endeavor to lead the way and create a compelling value proposition in an
otherwise crowded segment. I am confident that similar to its predecessors, the
TUV300 too will create a mark for itself and emerge as a strong brand from the
house of Mahindra”.
Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive, (Automotive) Mahindra
& Mahindra Ltd., while speaking at the launch in Chakan said, “The TUV300
bears testimony to Mahindra’s capability of indigenously designing and
developing a world-class and aspirational ‘true-blue’ SUV. In fact, its bold
and masculine design and its powerful road presence comes with an assurance of
high standards of safety and world-class quality. I am confident that the
TUV300 will further cement our leadership position in the SUV segment.”
Source:
Mahindra & Mahindra / Motown India