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The TUV300 comes with dual airbags and ABS as standard

Safety and After Sales Service – We like how Mahindra has upped the safety game in the TUV300. Standard equipment includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX anchorages in the second row. That is as good as any other compact SUV. Only if Mahindra had put forward facing last row seats complete with seatbelt and headrests. After-sales service and reliability are likely to be good given that it is a tough car.

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The TUV300 has long-lasting feel to it

Verdict – The Mahindra TUV300 looks so much better than the older car and this change itself increases the car’s appeal ten-fold. The interiors also feel like a better place to be in and the equipment list is pretty good, covering almost all the essentials. Yes, the car does have some rough edges and inconsistency here and there like, for example, I was driving it down when it was pouring heavily in Mumbai and with the wipers set at full speed, I could feel some vibrations near the brake/clutch pedals. Nonetheless, the TUV300 is offered at a good price and this is why a lot of people wanting an entry-level SUV that can take a lot of abuse have been preferring this vehicle. In the longer run, I see the TUV as a very good replacement to the ageing Bolero and it is also a known fact that a lot of Bolero-owners have been upgrading to the TUV because the latter is a better package and offers more safety too.

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Mahindra’s diesel engine offers very good efficiency

What’s Cool

* Styling is so much better than the older car
* Engine has good driveability and efficiency
* Comes with dual-airbags and ABS as standard

What’s Not So Cool

* Rear jump seats don’t have adequate safety
* Certain ergonomic issues in the cabin
* High speed stability could have been better

Alternatives: – Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Honda WR-V

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Every major manufacturer has a vehicle in this segment

Further Reading

Mahindra TUV300 Plus Review
Mahindra TUV300 mHawk100 Review

Testers’ Note:

“The Mahindra TUV300 is aimed at the rural crowd and with the facelift, it packs in more appeal. However, with no changes to the mechanicals, it’s still not a very urban friendly car and those looking for a more polished product are better off with the XUV300.” Faisal Khan, Editor-in-Chief, MotorBeam.

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