New Delhi: If you want a fast compact SUV, there are plenty of choices but a proper sporty one is still not a common sight with not many options. By 'sporty' we mean a more powerful engine along with tuned dynamics. With SUVs being so popular, there exists a buyer who wants a more fun-to-drive option. The XUV300 TurboSport is one such car since it is an SUV aimed at enthusiasts. Let's see whether that is true or not.
The basic recipe is a simple but fun one where the XUV300 gets a more powerful version of its 1.2l turbo petrol along with a standard manual gearbox. The talking point is the 130 PS of power @ 5000 r/min and 230 Nm of torque @ 1500-3750 r/min with an over-boost function that gives a momentary peak of 250 Nm.
That makes it the fastest ICE SUV below Rs 15 lakh and it has a claimed 0-60 km/h time of just 5 seconds. So how is the driving experience? Well, it is fast all right. The engine is very refined for a 3-cylinder turbo and it is very quick immediately with plenty of power served outright. The 6-speed manual has a light clutch but the gearshift is long. That said, the engine has a strong power delivery and feels one of the quickest amongst nearly all cars at this price point!
Drive it fast and the over-boost function plans a smile on your face with extra torque being delivered too while it happens when max throttle is engaged. The hit of torque makes overtaking easy and in the city, you do not need to downshift at all with loads of strong bottom-end punch. Push it hard and it is one of those engines that also does not go out of breath too while on the other hand, getting stronger in terms of power delivery.
Further high marks are rewarded for the excellent suspension which is slightly on the firm side but that's acceptable as overall it handles our bad roads with aplomb while taking big speeds over bumpy roads with ease, with the performance being similar to a capable rally car. The steering weight can be adjusted but there is not a massive difference here. Even the brakes are excellent and you will be surprised with the efficiency which is quite good at 12-13 kmpl, with the performance on hand.
Styling-wise, it gets the new SUV logo while the new Bronze paint scheme is tasteful too along with red inserts. We'd have wanted twin exhausts though. The cabin looks sportier and gets leatherette seats though the dashboard is looking a bit old now. There is no complaining in terms of features or space as you get dual-zone climate control, sunroof, rear camera, BlueSense Connect, electrically adjustable & foldable ORVMs plus more. Space is excellent too in terms of rear headroom plus legroom.
The fully loaded W8 (O) turbo petrol manual TurboSport has priced at Rs 12.9 lakh for the dual-tone and that is expensive but there is no getting away from the fact that the engine is hugely powerful and that it offers a brilliant ride-along with spacious interiors too. It is also something which stands out from the crowd.
What We Like — Performance, space, ride quality, features
What We Do Not — Interior feels old, and needs a louder exhaust note
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