Spec Comparison: Mahindra XUV300 vs Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Mahindra finally has a worthy opponent in the highly popular sub-four metre segment in the form of the newly launched XUV300. It is heavy on equipment and has good looks to go with it. Mahindra is also offering a well-rounded package with the baby XUV, but is it worthy match to the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza? The Brezza sold more than 1.55 lakh cars in 2018, proving that it is a hot favourite amongst car buyers in India. So let us compare the new kid on the block with the most desired sub-four metre SUV in the country in our spec comparison:
Exterior and Styling:

Appearance wise, the XUV300 has a lot going on for it in terms of styling and design. The front gets XUV500-like chrome-pin grille and squared-off headlamps, vertical LED DRLs, black surround on the fog lamps and ample body cladding all around. The floating D-pillar sits on imposing wheel arches, which lend it a masculine stance.  Contrary to the edgy face, the rear has a curved off design. The LED taillights are all new and the SUV sits on 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. The XUV300 is based on a modified platform of the Ssangyong Tivoli. So the wheelbase of 2600mm has been retained from the Tivoli and therefore, it has the longest wheelbase in this class.

The Vitara Brezza has been around for almost three years now and needs no introduction in the country. It received a major update last year that included new glossy black alloy wheels and a new Autumn orange body paint. The new body paint can also be had in the dual tone scheme combined with a contrasting white roof. The Vitara Brezza measures 3995x1790x1640mm with a wheelbase of 2500 mm and ground clearance of 198mm. This means it is taller than the XUV300 and has the same overall length, but the XUV300 is wider of the two.

Interior and features:

Mahindra realised that the delay in the arrival of the XUV300 can be compensated with a really long feature list. Thus the top-of-the-line model of the XUV comes with several pieces of segment-first equipment. This includes dual-zone climate control with memory function, seven- airbags, steering modes, heated ORVMs and mood lighting. The Tivoli-inspired cabin is festooned with seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, leather-wrap steering wheel, cruise control, six-way adjustable seats, auto headlamps, TPMS, front parking sensor, sunroof and side airbags among others.

The Vitara Brezza, on the other hand, has dual front airbags and ABS with EBD as a standard fitment.  Also standard on the Maruti are safety features such as ISOFIX, high-speed warning alert, reverse parking sensors and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters. There are two 12V outlets, automatic headlights, single-zone climate control, a comprehensive trip computer, and a reversing camera along with a new and updated touchscreen infotainment system. But the Vitara Brezza misses out on a sunroof, which the XUV300 comes with.
Powertrain:

With the Mahindra XUV300, there is a choice of two powertrains – a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel. The former produces 110bhp at 5000rpm and 200Nm at 2000-3500rpm while the latter is good for 115bhp at 3750rpm and 300Nm between 1500-2500rpm. The XUV has the most powerful engine on offer in the segment. Both engines get a six-speed manual as standard with no choice of automatic at the moment.

The Vitara Brezza has no petrol engine on offer. The 1.3-litre DDiS is the same one that powers the rest of the Maruti family. The four-cylinder diesel generates 89bhp/200Nm and is mated to a five-speed manual as standard. With the update, Maruti has started offering the AMT with the Vitara Brezza as well, albeit in the VDi, ZDi and ZDi+ trims only.