Mahindra XUV300

In terms of design, the XUV300 TurboSport retains the same styling as the standard XUV300, with a few cosmetic updates that distinguish it as a sportier version. Mahindra has incorporated red accents and its new twin-peaks logo to highlight the TurboSport’s power-focused character. The Blazing Bronze color option is new and exclusive to this variant.

Although the design changes are minimal, the TurboSport’s overall aesthetic gives it a sportier feel, but it still lacks the aggressiveness seen in other performance variants from competitors​.

The XUV300 TurboSport is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine that makes it the most powerful subcompact SUV in India. The engine produces 128 bhp and 230 Nm of torque, with an additional 20 Nm overboost function for short bursts of acceleration. This powertrain is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which offers a more engaging driving experience.

• Driving Experience: The TurboSport variant delivers exciting performance, especially in the 1750-3800 rpm range, where the turbocharged engine feels lively. The overboost function adds an extra layer of fun, especially when shifting between gears 2 and 6. However, there is a slight turbo lag at lower RPMs, which can make initial acceleration feel sluggish​.

The manual transmission works well with the turbocharged engine, but some drivers may miss the option of an automatic transmission, which isn’t available in this variant.

One of the key strengths of the XUV300 is its ride quality, and the TurboSport carries forward this trait without any changes to its suspension setup. The suspension is well-tuned to handle uneven roads and potholes, offering a comfortable ride for passengers.

The gear throws are longer than expected for a sporty variant, and the clutch’s long travel might make driving in traffic a bit tedious. While the suspension ensures comfort over rough roads, there is noticeable body roll when taking sharp corners.

Inside, the TurboSport maintains the same cabin as the standard XUV300, with an all-black interior giving it a slightly sportier ambiance. While the seating comfort is excellent, thanks to the large seats and spacious interior, there are certain misses in terms of feature offerings.

Although the XUV300 TurboSport comes with premium features like dual-zone climate control and a sunroof, it lacks key modern amenities such as wireless smartphone integration and ventilated seats, which are available in competing models.

While the TurboSport variant boasts plenty of safety and convenience features, the technology on offer could have been more comprehensive to match the sporty character of the car.

The infotainment system supports smartphone integration, but the lack of wireless charging and other modern conveniences puts it behind its competitors. However, the all-wheel disc brakes and standard safety features ensure that the TurboSport performs well in terms of safety​.

Considering the performance-oriented nature of the TurboSport variant, the fuel efficiency is decent for a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine.

While these numbers are not class-leading, they are respectable for a turbocharged engine that focuses on performance. The overboost function does affect fuel consumption when used frequently

Priced between ₹10.35 lakh and ₹12.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV300 TurboSport offers a significant performance upgrade for a marginal increase in price over the standard XUV300. However, given that it lacks certain high-tech features, some buyers might feel that the price is slightly high for what’s on offer.

| Price Range | ₹10.35 lakh - ₹12.90 lakh (ex-showroom) | | Recommended Variant | W8 (O) for a balance of performance and features |

The W8 (O) variant is recommended for buyers who want the full range of features along with the added performance of the TurboSport engine

The Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport competes with other powerful subcompact SUVs in India, such as the Hyundai Venue N Line and the Tata Nexon.

While the Hyundai Venue N Line offers more refinement and tech, the XUV300 TurboSport is the most powerful SUV in its class, catering to buyers who prioritize performance​.

The Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport is an exciting option for those who want a powerful subcompact SUV with engaging driving dynamics. However, the lack of certain features, such as ventilated seats and wireless charging, puts it slightly behind its competitors in terms of overall value. That said, for buyers focused on performance and driving pleasure, the XUV300 TurboSport is hard to beat.