Mahindra & Mahindra, the full-fledged SUV manufacturer, has launched the toughest car — TUV300. It is a 4-meter compact SUV with a seven-seater capacity. It is the most affordable automatic SUV with price ranging from Rs 6.50 lakh to Rs 8.50 lakh. TUV 300 comes in three variants T4, T6 and T8 and will be manufactured at Mahindra's Pune-based Chakan production facility.
The design of the SUV is inspired by a battle tank. The designing details include squared off-cues, large windows, short front and rear overhangs for a sporty appeal plus raised shoulders, high front nose, flat roof, high ground clearance and straight bonnet.
It features 1.5 liter mHawk80 diesel engine — an updated version of Quanto's 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel motor — that produces 80bhp and 230Nm of torque. This engine will be mated to a five-speed manual and Automated Mannual Transmission (exclusively in T6 and T8). It uses a conventional gearbox and clutch actuated by a mechatronic unit. TUV 300 will also introduce AMT gearbox in the SUV segment. At present, only Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Creta have automatic transmission.
The car is loaded with other additional features, such as a 2-DIN music system, touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, USB and AUX-in for connectivity, LCD display unit and power windows.
TUV 300 will be in the same league as Maruti S Cross, Ecosport and Renault Duster.