Mahindra XUV 200 : At a time when sub-2 litre SUVs rule the city roads, comes this promising drivetrain from Mahindra — the XUV 200.
The model is slotted as the younger brother to the XUV 300 and will be positioned as a vehicle that will try to offer as much SUV styling and SUV capabilities in a more compact footprint and of course more affordable as well.
It’s a car for those who only just got a license, live in the city or are a young urban professional who desires a bit of verve and usefulness in one tight leather-bound package.
Mahindra XUV 200 Attractive Design, But There’s Reason Behind the Beauty
Design Mahindra has not skimped on design. The XUV 200 gets an aggressive stance, that gives it that larger than life appearance. The front design looks fantastic with wide grille and chrome inserts, classy LED DRLs (day time running lights) and a sporty crease lines on the hood.
Chunky cladding and squared-off wheel arches lend an air of ruggedness, while the floating roof design introduces a trendy touch.
At the rear, the car maintains consistent design by the LED tail lamps that wraparound the car neatly, the sculpted boot lid and a faux skid plate.
Dual-tone body colours and diamond-cut alloy wheels (available in higher trims) ensure that the XUV 200 doesn’t look out of place, either parked outside a café or hustling down a highway.
INTERIOR Inside the Cabin: Smart and Surprisingly Premium
Enter the XUV 200 and you will know that Mahindra seems to have wanted that the interiors punch above their weight. The dashboard features layers, soft-touch components and brushed aluminum inserts, and a floating 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. It’s a tidy design, with most of the controls falling easily to hand.
The van does not skimp on connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Higher up, there’s voice commands for the stereo, a digital MID, auto climate control, as well as a push-button start.
The seats are comfortable, offering good under-thigh support up front but the rear is more of an apartment for two adults rather than three. Boot space is tight, but adequate for weekend luggage and grocery runs.
Performance: Zippy and Easy to Live With
The XUV 200 will be equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is expected to generate close to 110 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. It’s perhaps not a powerhouse, but it feels peppy and willing around town.
The turbo boost is delivered from the low end, which means overtakes and rapid lane changes are very easy. It’s paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, with a AMT version being rumoured to be introduced soon.
On the road, ride compliance is one of the XUV 300’s strong points. The suspension seems nicely tuned, absorbing potholes and road chop with ease. The steering is light for confined spaces in the city, and adds more weight at highway velocities, such that you feel confidence on a long drive on the highway.
Safety and Features
Mahindra has always been a name you can trust for safety, and the XUV 200 certainly does not disappoint. In terms of safety, the entry level version is equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts.
ESC, hill-hold assist and a reverse parking camera are added on higher trims.
In terms of features, Mahindra seems to have ticked most of the boxes right — you get cruise control, a sunroof, connected car tech and steering-mounted controls, among other things. It’s obvious that this is an SUV meant for that tech-savvy generation.
Pros:
Compact and modern design on the outside
Sharp and punchy turbo-petrol engines perfect for city use
Well-equipped cabin with up-to-date connectivity options
Smooth riding on well-tuned suspension
Good safety pack, even on the base trim
Cons:
Rear seat room is a little tight for three adults
Smallish boot compared with some rivals
No diesel engine option
None available as auto (AMT only)
New kid on the block — unknown reliability over the long-term
Mahindra XUV 200 Final Thoughts
It may be small, but the personality of the Mahindra XUV 200 more than makes up for it.
It mixes SUV styling with involving performance and well thought out features in a package that feels like it was specially made for the kind of roads we have in India today.
It’s not perfect — the rear cabin and boot do feel somewhat confined — but as a daily city companion with the soul of an SUV, it’s got a lot going for it.
If there’s a compact SUV in the market that combines youth, ability and character while being pocket-friendly, I think the XUV 200 has the potential to be that shining choice.