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Mahindra XUV300 AMT Spotted Testing In India Ahead Of Launch

Published by
Surendhar M

Mahindra XUV300 AMT will likely use Magneti Marelli sourced AMT unit before switching over to a torque converter system when BSVI norms kick in

Last month saw Mahindra & Mahindra’s long-awaited XUV300 entering the Indian market with high volume aspiration. Although the starting price of Rs. 7.90 lakh (ex-showroom) may have raised some eyebrows, the fact that the XUV300 has been stuffed with features right from the entry-level W4 variant plays into its hands.

It is the first monocoque subcompact SUV from Mahindra and is underpinned by the X100 platform used in the SsangYong’s globally popular Tivoli. While the XUV300 does offer the torquiest 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines in its class, the only way to have an extensive range like the Nexon and EcoSport is to implement automatic transmission into the mix.

Mahindra is preparing to do just that as the six-speed manual gearbox will be accompanied by a cost-effective AMT sooner rather than later. The first glimpses have already appeared on the internet as the test prototype incorporating AMT has been spied. Even during the launch event, Mahindra’s Managing Director Pawan Goenka was driving an AMT prototype of the XUV300.

Here we bring you another couple of spy pictures as the test mule wears full camouflage but do not expect any exterior changes barring the addition of the AMT badge. The Mahindra XUV300 AMT will use the same 17-inch alloy wheels as in the MT version in the top-spec variants judging by the spy shots. It could be offered across the range to compete against AMT variants of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport.

Several reports emerged on the internet indicate that the AMT will be initially sourced from Magneti Marelli before switching over to the torque converter automatic unit from Aisin when the BSVI emission regulations come into effect from April 2020.

 

The largest passenger UV maker in the country is believed to launch the XUV300 AMT in the coming weeks and we reckon it would cost around Rs. 40-50,000 premium over the standard manual variant. The XUV300 is sold in India with several segment first features including disc brakes on all four wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control system, heated ORVMs and so on.

Published by
Surendhar M