Mahindra XUV300 will be Mahindra’s first launch in 2019. With this new SUV, Mahindra will push the boundaries of the compact SUV segment towards a more premium level by offering some first-in-the-segment features and powerful engines. Other than the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the XUV300 will lock horns with the Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport. The Brezza is a segment-leading model that leaves other competitors well behind and therefore, competing directly with Brezza is not in Mahindra's immediate focus. On the other hand, it will target the less competitive rivals like Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon. Let’s compare this new SUV with its two main rivals in our Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport comparison.
Tata Nexon has one of the most distinctive design in the segment
Also Read - Mahindra XUV300 vs Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
In terms of design, we must give a huge applause to the Tata Nexon. This model has always stood out from the crowd with its unique, sporty look. While its style is not to everybody’s liking, the Nexon is still an innovative design after all. According to the revealed images of the XUV300, the XUV300 seems to be a looker. It has some bold features like a sleek front grille with chrome ornamentation, angular headlights, sloping roofline and dual-tone alloy wheels.
Mahindra XUV300 is also a good-looking SUV with a bold and strong presence
Ford EcoSport is not a strong candidate when it comes to the design, especially since it has got too old in the market. Ford EcoSport has included all the signature elements in an SUV package like the plastic body cladding, rear spare wheel, and roof rail. However, the overall result is not so visually impressive.
Ford EcoSport is not as attractive as the other cars in the lot, but still a very decent and pleasant car to look at
Mahindra has revealed that the XUV300 will borrow the platform from SsangYong Tivoli, which also indicates that it might become the one with the largest wheelbase in its class. With a longer wheelbase, the XUV300 has an upper hand in terms of interior space. At the moment, Tata Nexon is the widest car in its class. It has a comfortable and roomy cabin. However, the Ecosport, on the other hand, does not offer as much space as other models in our comparison.
Mahindra XUV300 is promised to be the bring out the best-in-class interior space
In terms of features, it seems that the Mahindra XUV300 is ready to outdo the other two competitors. Here are some worth-mentioning goodies that will be packed in the new XUV300.
Projector headlight with LED DRLs
17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Reverse camera with sensors
Climate control system
Full disc brake
On top of that, the XUV300 promises to have the first-in-segment feature like seven airbags. Apart from that, it will even offer a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.
Mahindra XUV300 is fully-loaded with many exciting features, some among these are first in the segment
Tata Nexon, which was launched about a year ago, is also fully-packed with a load of comfort features. Here are the most noticeable names that might spark your interest:
Floating infotainment system
Harman 8-speaker music system
Multiple driving modes
However, the Nexon is missing on some key features that are becoming the norm in the market, which are the Apple CarPlay compatibility, cruise control, auto headlamp and rain-sensing wipers. All of these are offered on the EcoSport and XUV300.
Tata Nexon skips on some vital staple like Apple CarPlay, Cruise control or auto headlamp
Both Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300 offer a sunroof. Before the entry of the XUV300, the EcoSport became the first in the segment to offer this feature. Sadly, it is no longer its selling point in this rat race. This upmarket feature is now offered in the highest variants of EcoSport while the XUV300 is expected to have the sunroof on the top-of-the-line variant too.
Other than the sunroof, the Ford EcoSport also offers some goodies, including
Touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
Push-button start
Keyless entry
Reverse camera with parking sensors
Cruise control
Steering mounted audio and telephone controls
Ford EcoSport is also well-equipped with sunroof, push start-stop button, keyless entry, cruise control and many more
Mahindra XUV300 is going to offer a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which are expected to churn out 130bhp/160Nm and 123bhp/300Nm, respectively. On the Mahindra XUV300, power is transferred to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Mahindra claims that the XUV300 will have the most torque in its class.
The Ford EcoSport is available with both petrol and diesel engines. On the petrol version, it is powered by either a 1.5-litre engine or a 1.0-litre turbocharged motor. The former is good for 121bhp/150 while the latter has 124bhp/170 on tap. The oil burner offered by EcoSport is a 1.5-litre diesel engine that is good for 100PS and 205nm.
For the EcoSport, the standard transmission option is a 5-speed manual while the automatic gearbox is exclusively available for the 1.5-litre petrol engine. This is one of its biggest shortcomings as the Nexon, and the Brezza come with diesel-automatic powertrain option. But to make it up, the EcoSport has one of the best-in-class fuel efficiency. Specifically, the diesel version could deliver the mileage of 27kmpl while the petrol version returns 17kmpl.
Tata Nexon, as recognized by many, is a powerful vehicle, whether it runs on petrol or diesel. Compared with the real-life performance of the EcoSport, Tata Nexon proves to be a faster car. On the other hand, EcoSport seems to be more fun-to-drive, and of course, efficient. Tata Nexon offers a wide range of engine options, including a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol unit develops 110bhp and 170Nm while the diesel engine offers 110bhp and 260Nm. Manual gearbox and automatic transmission are standard across Tata Nexon’s range. Before XUV300, Tata Nexon used to be the most powerful offering with the highest torque in the segment, but its number one position is in danger with the introduction of the XUV300.
Tata Nexon 6.23 - 10.67 Lakh
Ford EcoSport 7.82 - 11.89 Lakh
Mahindra XUV300: 8 – 11 lakh
Mahindra XUV300 is expected to be priced from Rs 8 to 11 lakh. At this price range, the XUV300 will be on par with Ford EcoSport and slightly pricier than the Tata Nexon.
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