Mahindra TUV3OO – Five things you should know

The Mahindra TUV3OO, that is TUV Three Double Oh, like its bigger cousin, the XUV5OO is sure to captivate the SUV crazy Indian audiences who are looking forward to an affordable and compact SUV that does not look like a hopped up hatchback with steroids. And the TUV3OO is exactly that – a conventional SUV shape with muscular design aspects. So here are five things you need to know about this upcoming SUV.

Design

The TUV3OO’s design will follow Mahindra’s convention of making tough and masculine looking cars which is completely the opposite to the norm of making sleeker looking SUVs that are generally soft roaders instead. The TUV3OO will have muscular haunches, a prominent grille and chunky alloy wheels to add to the appeal. To add to the muscular appeal, the TUV3OO’s wheels are right at the four corners of the body with short overhangs. The TUV3OO also gets a very distinctive shoulder line and headlamps that fuse well into the body. To add to the muscular appeal, the TUV3OO will also have a tailgate mounted spare wheel. This new compact SUV has been designed by the legendary design firm, Pininfarina.

Engines

In terms of mechanicals, the Mahindra TUV3OO will be powered by a sub 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which has been given the mHawk80 nomenclature. Judging from the name, the new engine will most probably be rated at 80PS of peak power and will come mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Since the TUV3OO is based on an all-new platform, we also expect this compact SUV to be a front wheel drive layout. The TUV5OO though will not be getting a four wheel drive option anytime soon. We also think that the TUV3OO is one of the best platforms that Mahindra can offer an automatic transmission on.

Price and launch

Like almost every other vehicle in the Mahindra arsenal, expect the new TUV3OO to be priced really well. We expect pricing to be near similar to that of the Quanto and to be of excellent value for money for the general Indian car buyer. Expect the TUV3OO price to be between Rs 7.5-10.5 lakhs. The TUV3OO will be launched in mid September and will be available in showrooms immediately thereafter.

Competition

The Mahindra TUV3OO will take on a whole bunch of other products from the compact SUV segment. Its biggest rival of course will be the Ford Ecosport and the upcoming Maruti XA Alpha compact SUV. It will also go up against the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and Mahindra’s very own Mahindra Scorpio. The TUV3OO positioned as it is will also go up against sedans like the Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz as it will target a similar target audience. 

Accessories

When Mahindra announced the TUV3OO they mentioned how almost every single Mahindra vehicle goes though atleast a small amount of personalization or modification once sold to the public. To capitalize on the public’s interest on aftermarket mods, especially on such a muscular looking car, Mahindra will offer a long list of aftermarket accessories that have been developed in co-ordination with the company itself. This will include bullbars, claddings, alloy wheels and of course additional lights that one can mount on the front to add to the look. On the whole then, we expect some pretty tastefully modified TUV3OOs to hit to streets soon after launch.