Is the Mahindra XUV300 good for new drivers?

What's not to like about a bit of ground clearance and the ability to scale sidewalks? We list three reasons why the XUV300 would make a great car for a new driver.

1. It received top marks for safety from Global NCAP

 

The Mahindra XUV300 launched locally in 2019 and was well-received by the media and the general consumer alike. I drove and reviewed the flagship model, the 1.5 diesel W8 in July that year. I was impressed most by its spacious rear bench, large boot, good ergonomics and its generous list of convenience features. But one of the biggest draw cards for new drivers should be that the Mahindra XUV300 received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP - it's the first Indian car to do so. The Global NCAP crash-test report states that all occupants enjoyed excellent protection, including children in their car seats. While seatbelts, airbags, and traction control do their fare share to protect driver and passengers, in the end it's down to the structural integrity of the vehicle, and how well force is distributed away from the cabin. 

 

2. It's well-specified for its price

 

Specs in the entry-level W4 model include 2 airbags, ABS brakes, Bluetooth, remote central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors, and SOFIX mountings for child seats.

W6 models also gain steering wheel controls, a touchscreen, and sat-nav, but it's the W8 variant that has all the goodies such as hill-start assist, stability control, a tyre pressure monitor, 7 airbags, cruise control, keyless start, rear privacy glass, and daytime running lights with a light sensor for the LED headlamps. Park distance control in the front and rear, as well as a rearview camera, are all standard features. But I didn't mention everything — check out the Mahindra XUV300 microsite for the complete list of features.

 

3. The XUV300 is more spacious than many of its (more expensive) competitors

 

There's more room on the rear bench than you'd find in the Renault Duster, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, and Renault Captur, for example. However, if space on the second row isn't much of a concern for you, then these three compact SUVs are also well-suited to new drivers.

Buying used? We tracked down young XUV300s from just under R200 000 with low kilos on AutoTrader, here. 

 

Other options in this price range?

Other worthwhile rivals in this segment include the new Suzuki Vitara Brezza (from R244 900) and the new Toyota Urban Cruiser (from R247 900). Got a bit more to spend? Should you require more space in the boot, the Toyota Rush (R337 300) will also do nicely. 

The Opel Crossland X costs from R321 000 while the stunning new Peugeot 2008 has a starting price of R359 900. (Previous-generation 2008s are also up for grabs at very affordable prices.) Don't forget about the relatively new Citroën C3 Aircross either, from R369 900.

As a new driver, your budget may not stretch this far, but we've checked our listings and found some bargains on site for the cars mentioned above. Check it out here.

 

 

Verdict

 

The XUV300 is a good-looking, practical car with low-running costs and Mahindra's reputation for after-sales just keeps getting better. 

The XUV300 has a five-year warranty, while all models (except for the entry-level W4 model) also ave a 5-year service plan. This is a major feather in the XUV300's cap. If you're a new driver, not having to worry about paying up for services in the first five years of ownership is rather nice. Mahindra's claimed fuel consumption for the 1.2-litre turbocharged models are 6.3 litres per 100 km, while the 1.5-litre diesel models are quoted at 5.0 litres per 100 km. While real-life figures will undoubtedly be slightly higher, good fuel economy also contributes to keeping ownership costs down.