Updated XUV300 to debut more powerful 130hp 1.2-litre mStallion petrol engine.
The Mahindra XUV300 is set to receive a facelift by the first quarter of 2023. The launch timeline was revealed by Veejay Nakra, CEO of Mahindra and Mahindra’s automotive division, at a recent media event.
- XUV300 facelift expected by first quarter of 2023.
- To come with 130hp, 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine
- Will rival Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon
Mahindra XUV300 facelift: what to expect?
The biggest talking point for the facelift is expected to be the engine. The current model’s 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor is expected to make way for a more powerful direct-injection turbocharged unit.
A part of Mahindra’s mStallion series of petrol engines – the same family as the XUV700’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol – the 1.2-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol unit was first revealed in 2019, before making its debut under the hood of the XUV300 Sportz at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Compared to the current turbo-petrol, the new mStallion unit develops a stronger 130hp and 230Nm – up 20hp and 30Nm.
The engine was expected to make its debut under the hood of the current XUV300, while also replacing Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost mill from the EcoSport. While the plans to introduce the engine in the EcoSport fell through, with also Ford shutting manufacturing in India, the unit’s launch in the XUV300 too has been pushed back, likely due to the pandemic-related chip shortage, amongst other reasons.
The 1.5-litre diesel, meanwhile, is expected to be carried forward.
On the cosmetic front, one should expect exterior changes in line with Mahindra’s latest models, such as the new XUV700 and the upcoming new Scorpio, with a revised dashboard and features list likely to make up majority of the changes within the cabin.
Mahindra XUV300 in India
Mahindra launched its compact SUV in India back in February 2019, to take on the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon. At launch, the SUV was available with both turbo-petrol and diesel engine options, though only with a manual gearbox. Over the years, the carmaker has been updating its compact SUV, with changes including the launch of AMT gearbox options for both petrol and diesel models, the addition of Blue Sense Plus connected tech, and most recently, downsizing the alloy wheels from 17 inches to 16 on the top model.
Also see:
Mahindra Bolero with dual airbags priced from Rs 8.85 lakh
Mahindra Scorpio road-testing continues ahead of 2022 launch
Mahindra XUV400 EV takes shape; to rival Tata Nexon EV
