Mahindra XUV300

The Mahindra XUV300 is a sub-four-metre compact SUV built on a borrowed SsangYong Tivoli platform, which gives it an unusually solid feel for the segment. It made headlines with a 5-star Global NCAP crash rating, still one of its biggest draws. Buyers get turbo-petrol and diesel engines, a long features list, and class-leading mechanical grip. Its short rear overhang trims boot space, but the cabin and safety credentials keep it relevant against newer rivals.

On the road, the XUV300 feels more planted than most rivals, a direct benefit of its monocoque roots and wide track. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol pulls cleanly once past low revs and is genuinely quick in the mid-range, while the 1.5-litre diesel remains the torque champion of the segment with 300 Nm on tap. Steering is adjustable for weight across three modes, a quirky but useful touch, and the suspension leans towards firm, soaking up bigger bumps well while letting smaller ones through.

Inside, the cabin is well screwed together and the front seats are supportive, but the cabin is narrower than the numbers suggest and three adults at the back will feel pinched. The dashboard design is starting to show its age next to fresher competitors, though the equipment count is strong: a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a long list of electronic aids on higher trims. Material quality is a mix of soft-touch surfaces and harder plastics lower down.

The headline remains safety. Seven airbags, electronic stability control, front parking sensors and a 5-star adult occupant rating give it a genuine edge for family buyers. The flip side is packaging: that sub-four-metre length eats into the boot, which at 257 litres is among the smallest here, and rear knee room is merely adequate.

Value depends on the variant. Lower trims feel keenly priced, but loading up the diesel automatic pushes it close to bigger SUVs. The XUV300 rewards buyers who prioritise build, safety and driving feel over outright space or the latest cabin tech.