So Mahindra has re-entered the sub 4-metre SUV segment with its latest offering the TUV300 to take on rivals like the Ford EcoSport head-on.
So Mahindra has re-entered the sub 4-metre SUV segment with its latest offering the TUV300 to take on rivals like the Ford EcoSport head-on. This is company’s second shot at this segment after the Quanto which did not quite live up to the customer’s expectations.
This time around though Mahindra’s baby SUV looks promising with its attractive pricing which starts at Rs. 6.90 lakhs (Ex-showroom, Pune), better looks and what’s more it can seat as many as 7 people which none of its competitors offer (except its own elder brother, the Scorpio). Also, it is the only SUV within the sub 10 lakh rupee bracket that actually offers a diesel automatic. This article will take you through spec by spec comparison with its rivals like the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta. Let’s take a look.
The TUV300 takes the Ford EcoSport head-on which similarly ducks under the 4-metre mark
Exteriors:
The TUV300 measures 3995mm in length which help to benefit from the excise duty taxes in India. It has a very bold stance upfront and overall looks more like a hunkered down Hummer in some ways. Similarly the EcoSport just ducks under the 4 metre mark but has a lot more curves and creases when compared to the TUV300. On the other hand, the Duster and the Creta measure around 4.3 metres in length and look like proper full-size SUVs. While picking out from these SUVs is somewhat of a personal choice, most people will have their hearts tugging towards the Hyundai Creta. The TUV300 gets 15-inch alloy wheels while all other cars here are offered with at least 16 inchers as standard.
The TUV300 comes loaded with features like steering mounted controls and voice messaging
The Duster gets a touchscreen navigation system on top variants
Interiors:
All cars in this bunch come loaded with features like keyless entry, Bluetooth enabled audio systems, steering mounted audio controls and the likes. The TUV300 doesn’t give any room for competition to move ahead with features like voice messaging which is borrowed from the Scorpio. It also offers flexible 5+2 seating which none of its rivals offer and is its biggest USP. While all other SUVs offer decent space, the EcoSport’s cabin feels a bit cramped especially when compared to the Creta and the Duster.
The Hyundai Creta looks eye-catching from any angle and feels like a full-size SUV unlike the EcoSport or TUV300
Engine and Gearbox:
The TUV300 debuts with Mahindra’s 1.5-Litre, 3-cyl diesel that churns out 82PS of power and 230Nm of torque. It can be had with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an auto-shift AMT gearbox which drive the rear wheels. The Duster and the EcoSport both come with 1.5-Litre diesels too but while the Duster gets a 6-speed manual the EcoSport makes do with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Creta gets the biggest diesel engine here displacing 1.6 litres and is inherently the most powerful of the lot with 128PS of power and 260Nm of torque.
The Duster’s butch looks became a hit with the masses instantly
Last words on Mahindra TUV300 rivals:
The TUV300 is a splendid attempt by the Indian car manufacturer and though not quite the looker, it tends to grow on you gradually. The cars in this comparo have proved their mettle by being the best all-rounders amongst their competition. Will the TUV300 create a similar havoc at Mahindra showrooms is something only time will tell. Till then wait for our full blown road test comparison review.
The TUV300 is based on an all new ladder frame chassis from Mahindra
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