Benchmarking

Pros

Features

This is the top-of-the-line W8 version. And according to the CarWale app - which is a handy tool, so download it if you haven’t already - the XUV300 price is listed as Rs 11.5 lakhs ex-showroom for this trim.

But, for this price, you get keyless entry and start, automatic headlamps and wipers, two-zone climate control, cruise control, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, a comprehensive driver information system, and a touchscreen multimedia system. As is the norm, the latter comes with USB and AUX playback, Bluetooth telephony, Apple CarPlay, and Android-cousin. And yes, there’s a sunroof as well. The only SUV in its class to get one... for now.

Interiors

Now, given the tall stance, the XUV 300 might not be the best car for your tiny Pug to jump into. But your parents would love it. Because arthritis or not, one can just slip onto the seats, front or rear, and be comfortable.

It’s also a practical cabin, this. Apart from roomy and comfy seats, there’s good head and knee room, you get storage and cup and bottle holders all around. And you also get a central armrest with storage for both the front and rear passengers.

Engines

The Mahindra XUV300 comes with two engines. The 1.5 diesel is a lovely thing. It is refined, smooth, and surprisingly quiet for a diesel. And it has a solid mid-range as well. The diesel with its 6-speed manual gearbox is a good fit, whether it is driving in the city or cruising on the highway. And it’s efficient too.

The petrol we have here is agreeable as well. Like the diesel, this one is refined and torquey too. And though it has some turbo lag, it only feels pronounced because the kick close to 2,000rpm is a little too potent.

But, even without the turbo on the song, one still can’t term the XUV300 performance as underwhelming. It’s right on the ball. But, it’s between 2,000-3000rpm that the petrol XUV feels is at its best. It won’t set any quarter-mile records, but it does get you to three-digit speeds with ease. And in pretty quick time. Plus, like the diesel, XUV300 petrol has a slick-shifting gearbox as well.

Comfort

Four things define comfort over all else. Seating comfort, light driving controls, a pliant ride, and good visibility.

The 300 has it all, but not in equal measure. The visibility and the ride are really good. There are hardly any blind spots, and no matter whether you show the XUV broken Tarmac or a dirt trail, it’s more than up to flatten it all.

The seats are good too. Not the best we have seen, even for its class, but you can spend long hours in them. And like a cherry on top, it has light controls too, be it the steering, the clutch, or the gear shifts.

Safety

Seven airbags. Stability control. Traction control. Cornering Lights. ABS.

Cons

Boot space

The boot on the XUV is tiny. As you can see it can’t hold the 85-liter bag. And with the 65-liter suitcase, there’s barely space for a soft bag. Not good, and for an SUV, not good at all.

No Petrol Automatic

Yes, we like the manual gearboxes on the XUV. These are slick-shifting boxes with a reasonably light clutch operation. But, not having a petrol automatic is a miss. Especially for petrol, which will extensively be used in crowded cities.

No Rear AC Vents

The XUV seems to have it all! But then you step in the rear, and on a hot day like this. You reach for your set of vents at the back. And there’s none! That’s no good.

Pross and cons of Tata Nexon

Pros

Handsome looks

This iteration of the Tata Nexon gets minor but impactful cosmetic changes as a part of the 2020 model year update. Similar to the electric version of the SUV that we'd seen earlier, this one also gets a revised hood for jacked-up muscularity, a tweaked grille, sharper headlamps with tri-arrow pattern DRLs and a new lower grille as well.

A new alloy wheel pattern adds more character, while its revised LED tail lamps give it a distinct look at the back when compared to its older model. All of these aesthetic changes make it look even better and mature than the outgoing model.

Impressive ride quality

The new-age Tata cars have set a high benchmark for good ride quality and the Nexon carries forward this popularity. The manufacturer has tuned its suspension to take on our unpredictable road conditions without any hassle. Passengers will be most comfortable as the Nexon absorbs all thunks and thuds from potholes and broken roads, while also being stable over undulations.

It rides quite high off the ground with a clearance of 209mm. This, paired with the 16-inch alloys and a wide and high profile give the Nexon a tall stance. Amongst all compact SUVs, it's got one of the best-in-segment ride qualities at both slow and high speeds.

Easy-to-drive with good handling

The Nexon's steering now provides a better feel and feedback with improved handling as well. It weighs up adequately and feels precise with instant response to the turn-in provided. More importantly, it doesn't make you feel like you are driving a big SUV as minimal driver efforts are required. It's similar to what would be required to drive a hatchback. Furthermore, its compact footprint makes it easy to fit in traffic gaps and doesn't occupy too much space in your parking lot too.

Feature-packed

This top-spec XZ(O) variant is handsomely packed with many features. This 2020 Nexon continues with equipment like projector lamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, engine push-start button, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc. Remarkably, it now gets added features like a digital instrument cluster, TPMS, and a much-in-demand sunroof.

What's more, the carmaker has come up with a new ‘Xpress Cool’ button owing to the hot and humid climatic conditions in India. This helps in cooling the cabin faster with max blower speed and by pulling the driver window down automatically. Needless to mention, the brand’s IRA tech is another USP given the need for connected technology by users.

A safe car with the solid build quality

Also, it's not just for the tremendous road presence, but the Nexon has been appreciated for its tough construction as well. The quality of materials used does give it a built-to-last feel. Besides, its robust underpinnings have proved its solid build quality over time. Gladly, the new one also continues to boast of a five-star NCAP safety rating ensuring owners and prospective buyers of a very safe car.

This is backed up by a safety suite of dual-airbags, hill-hold assist, roll-over mitigation, ABS with EBD, traction control, and more.

Cons

Uninspiring bottom-end engine performance

This up-rated turbocharged petrol motor is quite powerful than the one in the older model. However, the jump from 109bhp to 118bhp isn't quite evident from the word go. This mill does take a fair bit of time for the turbo to spool up and power is delivered quite linearly. It's only post 2,000rpm when the motor wakes up and helps the car make progress.

As a result, there's no surging ahead even with more throttle inputs at low-range and it's only in the mid-range when you will be able to make use of the power. It might get unnerving for some drivers while overtaking or making a quick sprint.

Mediocre fuel efficiency

Due to the weak bottom-end engine performance and a curb weight of 1,260kg, the Nexon ends up gulping down quite a lot of fuel. The constant gear shifts and mashing the throttle pedal quite often to make progress will have a downtrend in fuel efficiency.

This was quite apparent in our real-world fuel economy tests as well considering the SUV returned 13.26kmpl in the city-run and 14.45kmpl on the highway which isn't something remarkable. In fact, it might become a concern for owners expecting good fuel efficiency from this vehicle.

Step 6: CONCLUSION

We can conclude that among Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 is by far the best car for Mr. Pughazhyendhii.

Why choose Mahindra XUV300?

Mahindra XUV300 checks all the requirements for Mr. Pughazhyendhii.

• India s Safest Vehicle

• Considering that Mr. Pughazhyendhii travels long distances every month with a 5-year-old child and two elderly people safety is one of the main concerns.
• Mahindra XUV300 is all about safety. With a 5-star adult safety rating and a 4-star child safety rating by Global NCAP, it's the safest choice for him & his kids.

• Mahindra XUV300 comes with 7 airbags. This includes knee airbags in adaption to dual front, side, and curtain airbags which provide all the required safety.

• Best-in-segment Torque

  XUV300's turbo Petrol & Diesel engines offer best-in-segment torque that makes the drive peppy and offers excellent overtaking confidence.

• Advanced AutoSHIFT Transmission

  On open highways or in congested city traffic, driving is effortless with the XUV300's advanced AutoSHIFT transmission technology.

• Affordable price.

  The sub-compact SUV is now available priced from Rs 9.95 lakh up to Rs 11.77 lakh this fits in the budget of Mr. Pughazhyendhii.