EXCLUSIVE: Say Hello To The Facelifted XUV300

• Facelifted Mahindra XUV300 snapped testing for the first time. 
• Gets a revised grille, bumpers and a new tailgate, likely with connected tail lamps.
• We hope the carmaker heavily revises the interior considering it looks dated in the current model. 
• Could get the new Adrenox infotainment system with OTA from the Scorpio N. 
• The AMT in the current model could be replaced with a torque converter. 
• Launch expected in 2024.

Images of the facelifted Mahindra XUV300 testing have surfaced online for the first time, ahead of its expected debut in 2024. This will be the first major update for the carmaker’s subcompact SUV, which has been on sale in India since February 2019. So it makes sense for the carmaker to bring the facelift soon as the model has been on sale for a while now without any big revisions. 

But before we get into the details, let’s clarify a few things. Plenty of online reports have suggested this is Mahindra’s response to the Tata Punch, but clearly it isn’t. That’s because this one is wider than a Tata Punch, which confirms our suspicions of it being the updated XUV300. Here’s why we say so: 

For starters, the sharply raked A-pillar in gloss black, ORVMs and headlight cutouts are all very XUV300-ish. And to keep things fresh, it gets a redesigned grille and bumper, both of which are hidden under the camouflage. Even the rear has been heavily worked upon as it gets a new tailgate, likely with connected tail lamps and a revised bumper with the number plate housing. 

We do hope Mahindra thoroughly revises the interior as the current model’s cabin and dashboard is dated to say the least. It could get the carmaker’s new AdrenoX 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Scorpio N along with a couple of new features such as wireless phone charger and ventilated front seats. 

Kit such as the sunroof, automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls and cruise control should be retained. The safety suite, which consists of up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and rear parking sensors with camera, has also been retained

The XUV300 currently gets three engine options: a 110PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 130PS 1.2-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol and a 117PS 1.5-litre diesel. A 6-speed manual is standard across the board while the turbo-petrol and diesel engines get an optional 6-speed AMT. All of these are expected to be carried forward. However, we expect the AMT to be replaced with a proper automatic transmission considering most of its rivals get one. 

With all these expected updates, the facelifted XUV300 will likely command a premium over the current model, which starts at Rs 8.41 lakh. It will continue to rival the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and the upcoming 2024 Tata Nexon.

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