2020 Mahindra TUV300 BS6 test mule comprises of heavy exterior updates such as a completely revised front fascia
The compact SUV segment has grown in popularity in recent years and understanding the importance of the space automobile manufacturers are rallying in to make a mark. The earliest benchmark, Ford EcoSport, had to make way for Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza which became the leading seller since its debut in 2016.
The arrival of Nexon in September 2017 enabled Tata Motors to regularly average 4,500-5,000 units by finishing often in second position every month. This year, the rivalry has got even tougher as Hyundai’s Venue and Mahindra XUV300 further raised the bar. Mahindra & Mahindra, primarily being an SUV manufacturer, wanted to make a big impact with the TUV300.
It could not reach the success level of Vitara Brezza, Nexon or EcoSport. The monocoque-bodied XUV300 is there to stir up the proceeding but the latest spy shot suggests that Mahindra isn’t giving up on the TUV300 yet. Back in May 2019, the homegrown automaker introduced the facelifted TUV300 with notable exterior and interior updates to keep it fresh and alive.
However, it appears that Mahindra is working on a complete revamp of the SUV. The test mule wrapped in heavy camouflage exposes some of the design revisions on the 2020 model. It indicates the presence of an evolutionary front grille similar to the latest crop of Mahindra vehicles with slender horizontal slats – six in number.
The headlamp cluster looks brand new with rounded conventional lights alongside black honeycomb grille mesh ditching the boxy appeal of the front fascia in the current version. The front bumper is newly designed with pronounced lower grille finished in black colour with similarly shaped mesh.
The positioning of the LED Daytime Running Lights could be different compared to the facelift and design of the fog lamps may not be plainly squarer. The styling of the bonnet and wing mirrors look to remain the same as the existing SUV and we can expect a thoroughly revised rear end to complement the changes up front as well.
The interior could borrow design cues from the XUV300 or the next-gen Scorpio as it largely stayed untouched in shape and form in the recent facelift. The TUV300 is based on the same ladder frame construction as the Scorpio and thus it could share plenty of components with the next generation Scorpio.
The TUV300 is powered by a 1.5-litre mHawk 100 four-cylinder diesel engine producing 100 bhp at 3,750 rpm and 240 Nm of peak torque delivered at 1,600 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
Expect the powertrain to get upgraded to BSVI compliance upon arrival and it could launch before April 2020. The future of the 2.2-litre mHawk D120 diesel engine used in the TUV300 Plus making 118 bhp and 280 Nm remains to be seen.