More Than Just Good Looks

The Mahindra XUV300 is one of the best newcomers to reach our shores.

- Stephen Smith

Every now and again, my four-year-old son Gray and I take a detour on our way to his school. Why not have a microadventure when the opportunity arises? On one particular day, we turned left out of our driveway instead of right, taking the Mahindra XUV300 for a test drive in our area, where there are smallholdings and Gray can spot cows, horses, and even the occasional pig, with yells of delight. It’s also a good route to test out a vehicle’s affinity for dirt roads, and its ability to deal with them quietly, without the squeaks and rattles that irritate you no end in your own car.

It was a cold morning, and when we parked and got out of the car to say hello to the animals, there was much stomping of feet and blowing of hands to keep warm. As Gray clambered back into his own seat, I couldn’t help but think that Mahindra has made one significant mistake with the XUV300 W8 model, and that is the colour of the upholstery. White leatherette might look smart when it’s new, but from my experience – where my adventures with Gray usually end up with dirt on his shoes and elsewhere if I don’t act fast – in a family car it will most likely look worse for wear within a few short months. The W6 model comes with more practical black fabric upholstery.