With the market launch of the Mahindra TUV300 now only a week away (the TUV300 launches on September 10, 2015), here are 5 things we know about the compact SUV:
1. Bookings open:
Dealers have started accepting bookings for the TUV300 for INR 20,000. According to one report, the TUV300 will come in a total of 3 variants - T4, T6 and T8 - with a 2WD layout. A 4WD version of the TUV300 will not be introduced at least initially, Mahindra confirmed.
2. Will get an AMT:
The TUV300 will receive an automated manual transmission (AMT) in addition to a manual gearbox. In doing so, the TUV300 will be the only vehicle in its class to offer this cut-price, yet comfort-oriented technology which seems to have found the fancy of the budget Indian car buyer.
3. Seating for 7:
Similar to the Quanto, Mahindra will offer seating for seven occupants on the TUV300 with jump seats at the rear. The jump seats, aimed at utility, could serve to accommodate children over short journeys.
4. mHawk 80 diesel engine:
Mahindra announced that the TUV300 will be powered by a mHawk 80 diesel engine, likely to be a three-cylinder 1.5-liter unit. The company promised that this unit will feature "superior" levels of refinement and NVH.
5. Ladder-on-frame construction:
The TUV300 will be based on a ladder-on-frame body, with the hydroformed platform reportedly being a shortened version of what is seen on the current Scorpio. On the efficiency front, it is expected to better the Quanto, which is pegged at 17.1 km/l.
