UNIQUE TIMES - Mahindra XUV300
Mahindra launches exclusive pre-booking for XUV300
Mahindra South Africa has launched an innovative pre-booking opportunity to help manage the high levels of interest in its upcoming XUV300 compact SUV.
Launched this week, this promotion welcomes South African pre-orders for the XUV300, but does not require any deposit to secure a spot on the waiting list. Prospective customers on this list will be invited to test the first XUV300s to land in South Africa and will then be given an opportunity to decide on purchasing the vehicle.
"We have had a high level of local interest in the new model from both our dealers and customers. This pre-booking promotion affords us the opportunity to manage the pre-launch anticipation leading up to the launch on 22 May 2019 and keep our customers involved and engaged during this time" says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
To participate in this promotion, prospective customers can visit www.mahindraxuv300.co.za, to complete a pre-booking or test-drive form. In the case of a pre-booking the customer will be requested to complete a Mahindra Finance application (non-binding), to register as a pre-booking. The only condition is that the name on the pre-booking list should be the same as the person who eventually purchases the vehicle. This exclusive pre-booking offer will close on 20 May 2019.
Once the first vehicles arrive at the end of May, potential customers with their names on the pre-booking list will be invited to test drive either the 82kw 1.2 litre turbo-petrol or the 85kw 1.5 litre turbo-diesel model and then be given an opportunity to decide if they wish to buy it. They will also be able to pick their preferred colour and trim level, before placing the order.
"As a reward to our first customers, the first 100 people on the pre-booking list will receive a fuel card worth R10,000 when they purchase the new XUV300 vehicle. The first 100 people who sign up for test-drives will receive a R2,000 fuel card on purchase of their new XUV300 vehicle. In addition, we will also offer a grand prize of a trip for two to India to the value of R100,000 to one of our XUV300 customers," says Gupta.
Mahindra's pre-booking promotion follows a successful launch of the XUV300 in India, where the demand for this new model has been significantly higher than anticipated. This helped push the XUV300 to the top of the compact SUV rankings in only its second month of sales.
In India, the XUV300 has introduced a new level of technology and luxury to the compact SUV market. Top specification models include safety features such as 7 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mountings and a combination of parking sensors and a reverse camera. It also offers luxuries such as a 7" touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, dual zone climate control and cruise control on certain models.
Also worth a look: the Mahindra-Volkswagen Forge India's Electric Future and the Mahindra Xuv700.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mahindra XUV300 cost in South Africa?
The Mahindra XUV300 launched in South Africa in May 2019 with pricing starting from around R299,995 for the entry-level petrol model, while the diesel variants kicked off at approximately R329,995, making it one of the more affordable compact SUVs in the local market.
Q: Is the Mahindra XUV300 worth buying?
The XUV300 offers solid value with its 82kW 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 85kW 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines, comprehensive safety features, and competitive pricing, though you'll need to weigh Mahindra's smaller dealer network against the decent spec and warranty package.
Q: What engine options are available in the Mahindra XUV300?
The XUV300 comes with two engine choices: an 82kW 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an 85kW 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, both offering decent performance for the compact SUV segment.
Q: How reliable is the Mahindra XUV300 in South Africa?
Mahindra has improved build quality significantly with the XUV300, and the company offers a comprehensive warranty package, though the brand's relatively small local dealer network means service availability might be more limited compared to mainstream rivals like Toyota or Ford.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Mahindra XUV300?
The XUV300 competes directly with the Ford EcoSport, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Renault Duster, and Nissan Magnite in South Africa's hotly contested compact SUV segment, offering similar features but often at a more attractive price point.
Should You Buy It?
The Mahindra XUV300 represents decent value in South Africa's compact SUV market, especially if you can snag one of those early-bird deals with the R10,000 fuel card. Starting from around R299,995 for the petrol model, it undercuts many rivals while offering solid build quality, decent performance from both engine options, and a comprehensive feature list. The 85kW diesel engine is particularly appealing for South African driving conditions, delivering good torque and fuel economy. However, Mahindra's smaller dealer network compared to Toyota, Ford, or Suzuki means you might travel further for service, and resale values traditionally lag behind Japanese brands. If you're budget-conscious and want a well-specced compact SUV with a solid warranty, the XUV300 makes sense, but if dealer accessibility and resale value are priorities, consider the Ford EcoSport or Suzuki Vitara Brezza instead.
