Mahindra is going to launch the new XUV300 in February and we are comparing it against one of main rivals Ford EcoSport here
Mahindra & Mahindra has officially announced the name of its upcoming compact SUV as XUV300 and the launch will take place in February. The XUV300 is based on the SsangYong Tivoli platform and it has plenty of new elements to boast about.
In this article, we are going to compare the XUV300 against the model, which introduced the compact SUV segment in India, Ford EcoSport. The American SUV was the initial benchmark in the segment which sets the stage up nicely for the comparo:
Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport Design
Mahindra XUV300 gets an all-new design theme as the company has given the same grille as Alturas G4 along with new projector headlamps with integrated DRLs in it. The fog lamps design is unique and the company has given faux skid plates for SUV look while the side design gives the impression of a small car and the compact SUV gets black plastic cladding across the body. The new LED tail lamps at the rear look big and an integrated spoiler also. Overall, the design will catch the attention of other road users.
Ford EcoSport recently got an update as the compact SUV gets new front grille and revised projector headlamps and a new bumper at the front. The EcoSport also come with black plastic cladding running across the body like XUV300.
The mirror is placed on the door rather than on the door to reduce drag and the rear continues the same tail lamps with minor updates for the bumper. The spare wheel mounted on the rear door gives the impression of a big car.
Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport Interior
The interior of XUV300 is shared with SsangYong Tivoli as the top part is finished in black colour while the lower part gets a beige colour theme. The compact SUV gets a three-spoke steering wheel with aluminium finish also.
The meter console design is new as the company has given a big screen in the middle with speedometer and tachometer on either side. The MID in the middle can be customized and we can expect the quality of materials to be par among with competitors.
Ford EcoSport facelift model comes with revised interior design as the centre console gets a new touchscreen placed on the top of the dashboard while the controls for AC is retained from the old model. The instrument cluster is also new big dials and a new MID screen also. The quality of materials is generally good.
Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport Features
The XUV300 and EcoSport are both loaded with lots of features like touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electronically adjustable exterior mirrors, push-button start, keyless entry, reverse camera with parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, steering mounted controls and sunroof.
But the XUV300 comes with segment first dual-zone climate control, seven airbags instead of six on EcoSport and disc brakes on all four wheels. Both compact SUV comes with ABS with EBD as standard with seat belt alert and speed warning, which is standard on all new models. The XUV300 might also get rear AC vents as the company is yet to reveal rear.
Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport Engine, Specs
Mahindra is offering two engine options with XUV300 as the petrol engine will be the 1.2 L turbocharged unit producing 130 PS of power and 160 NM of torque while the 1.5 L diesel engine comes from Marazzo and it puts out 123 PS and 300 Nm. The XUV300 comes with most the powerful diesel engine its class. The transmission options are expected to be 6-speed manual and AMT.
The EcoSport comes with two petrol and one diesel engine option. The 1.5 L petrol engine produces 121 PS and 150 Nm, the 1.0 L turbocharged petrol engine puts out 124 PS and 170 Nm. The diesel engine is the same 1.5 L unit available on most of the Ford models, which produces 100 PS and 205 Nm. These engines come with a 5-speed manual as standard and automatic gearbox available only with a petrol engine.
| Model | Mahindra XUV300 | Ford EcoSport |
| Engine | 1.2 L turbocharged petrol | 1.5 L, 1.0 L Ecoboost |
| Maximum Power | 130 PS | 121 PS, 124 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 160 Nm | 150 Nm, 170 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual and AMT | 5-speed manual and Automatic |
| Model | Mahindra XUV300 | Ford EcoSport |
| Engine | 1.5 L turbocharged petrol | 1.5 L diesel |
| Maximum Power | 123 PS | 100 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 300 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual and AMT | 5-speed manual |
Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport Mileage
Mahindra is yet to officially announce the mileage figure but we can expect the petrol model to return 17 kmpl and 20 kmpl for the diesel engine. On the other hand, the EcoSport 1.5 L petrol manual return 16.86 kmpl and 14.8 kmpl for automatic. The 1.0 L EcoBoost engine returns 18.1 kmpl and the diesel at 23 kmpl.
| Model | Mahindra XUV300 | Ford EcoSport |
| Mileage | 17 Kmpl (petrol), 20 kmpl (diesel) | 16.86 Kmpl (1.5 L petrol manual), 14.8 kmpl (1.5 L petrol auto), 18.1 kmpl (1.0 L) and 23 kmpl (diesel) |
Mahindra XUV300 vs Ford EcoSport Comparison Verdict
The design of both models is attractive and gives the sense of an SUV but the XUV300 does look the more authentic in terms of styling. The sturdy appearance is going to be one of its biggest advantages and it certainly won us over in that department compared to EcoSport.
Both models are packed with lots of features but the XUV300 has advantage over EcoSport definitely as it comes with some segment-first features also. The XUV300 also offer more powerful engines and performance will better on the Mahindra. So far, the XUV300 gets our nod on paper but we will have to wait till price announcement and of course find out how good is it to drive to come to a conclusion.