EXCLUSIVE: Mahindra XUV 300 AMT caught on tape!

In the busy streets of South Gurugram, we spotted a heavily camouflaged Mahindra XUV 300 being tested on the streets. The car in question is the new automatic variant which is undergoing development testing in order to gauge its compatibility and feasibility. While not confirmed, reports mention that the gearbox could be a hydraulically-actuated automated manual unit, sourced from Magnetti Marelli. This comes as no surprise as the AMT transmission will be cheaper to build and ultimately cost less to the consumer, with all the benefits of conventional automatic. After the introduction, the XUV 300 will be the third model in this class to feature an automated manual transmission. The other two are the Tata Nexon and Maruti Vitara Brezza, which also use the sae AMT unit that will do duty on the XUV 300.

The Mahindra XUV 300 AMT will feature a Magnetti Marelli-sourced 6-speed AMT.

While the Ford Ecosport remains the odd one out, offering a conventional but smoother torque converter to send the power to the front two wheels. Looking at costs and market structure, we estimate the prices of the new automatic version to be in the INR 8-9 lakh region, only being offered in the middle-order W6 and top-of-the-line W8 variants. The Mahindra XUV 300 is available in both petrol and diesel engines. The first option is a new 1.2 turbocharged petrol, developing 110bhp and a class-beating 200Nm of torque. It made its debut in the KUV 100 and has now been introduced on the XUV 300. The engine will also be later shared with an undisclosed model in Ford’s line up. Customers get the second option of the existing 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel motor from the Marazzo MPV. Both options will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There is even an electric version of the new XUV 300 in the pipeline. Using tech similar to the one we find in the e-Verito, teh XUV 300 electric will be tune for better power delivery and more range. 

All-in-all, the Mahindra XUV 300 offers looks, performance and luxury, and will now soon add an automatic transmission to the mix and make it an even better package. The price of the compact SUV currently starts at INR 7.9 lakh for the base W4 petrol variant, while the highest petrol variant is the W8 (Option) Dual Tone with a price tag of INR 11.64 lakh. The W4 diesel version of the XUV 300, on the other hand, starts at INR 8.48 lakh and goes all the way to INR 12.14 lakh for the W8 (O) Dual Tone.

The Mahindra XUV 300 AMT will become the third sub-4-metre SUV, after the Maruti Vitara Breza and Tata Nexon, to offer an Automated Manual Transmission option.