Got to check the production version of the 300 at a dealer yard, where it was unloaded only yesterday evening.
I wasn't allowed to take pics except 1 of the keyfobs.
Here are my observations of the W8(O) diesel:
- Front looks smart and wide. Not imposing. Front grille obviously inspired by it's elder brother.
- Rear with those uniquely styled tail lamps looks funky. Although the chrome in between seems a bit overdone.
- Side profile is a tad disappointing. Those wheel arch designs are inflated. That's where the 300 looks similar to the KUV.
- Build quality is good. Panel gaps are even and the 300 passed the thumb test.
- Bonnet is long and wide. I suspect that's where half the wheelbase space has gone into.
- Roof rails don't feel functional. Just for aesthetic purposes.
- ORVMs are decently-sized.
- Door handles don't feel premium.
- First shocking bit inside - the white section above up front, housing the conversation mirror, map lights and sunroof controls was completely covered with soot marks and smudged fingerprints. If this is how it looks after the factory guys and the loading/unloading guys touch these plastic parts, I shudder to think what would happen with kids inside and with everyday use. I touched a few of those smudges and the greyish black powdery soot came off in my fingers. The car needed a serious interior detailing session.
- Front seats are adequately cushioned for a well-fed 6-footer like me. I had about 4 fingers of space above my head in my normal sitting position in the front passenger seat. Shoulder room seemed adequate too.
- The section below the central console didn't have enough space to park my iPhone X or my OnePlus 5T. They slid easily into the slot between the bottle holders just ahead of the armrest, though. Also easy to park them on a slot just above the glovebox.
- Speaking of the armrest box which seemed to have limited length and width, no idea why it's a covered one since the front part of the armrest box, just below the armrest, is open!
- Central console ACC section seems like it was lifted from the previous-generation Honda City (2008-2014). The buttons for steering modes, airbags, etc. will seem like red warning lights at first glance.
- Dual Zone ACC works well, and will be an USP for the 300.
- Maybe it's me, but the sunroof seemed like it's a size shorter than the one on the WR-V. For a rear passenger, the visibility of the sky and stars outside from the sunroof is severely limited.
- No rear AC vents is a bummer, specially for Indian summers and with the no tints law in force.
- Well-cushioned headrests at the rear.
- Barely 2 fingers worth of headroom for the rear passengers, if they are as tall as me. Will result in boinks & thuds whenever you drive over a speed-breaker at decent speeds.
- Not sure what utility the wired sections behind the front seats have. They don't stretch out too much to hold a 1 liter flask or a 2 liter water bottle. Maybe just for newspapers and magazines, or an occasional thin blanket fully folded.
- Door sections have plenty of pockets. Plenty of cubbyholes for books, mobiles, water bottles, reading material, knick knacks, etc.
- Biggest disappointment - the boot. My Nexon and EcoSport both hold full-sized suitcases easily (easy fit in my EcoSport and snug fit in my Nexon). This boot won't be able to hold it. Strike off those weekend getaways with your family, if they are all well-fed and you pack a lot.
- Boot floor has 2 adjustable sections, which can help increase the boot depth to a further 20-odd liters. Still inadequate.
- Boot lip is very high. Be prepared to flex those biceps and triceps whenever you put in/take out your luggage.
- No parcel tray provided in the production version either, although the slots are present. Might be provided as an accessory.
- No shark fin antenna. Just the regular long one.
- Legroom at front is at a premium. Rear legroom is just about average. Even with the long wheelbase (half of it eaten up by the engine section), this is a shortcoming of the 300.
- Touch feedback from the HU is very decent. My EcoSport's HU's touch response is much better though.
- The MID display is exhaustive and packs a wallop of information, but the display itself doesn't feel premium. It's similar to the one which Hyundai offers on the Creta SX variant.
- Steering modes didn't feel any different in the stationary car. I wasn't allowed to drive the 300 so will reserve my judgements till I get to drive it.
In short, Mahindra has thrown the kitchen sink into the 300 in terms of features and wow-wow bling factors but practically, the 300 makes best sense for an individual or for a family of 4 doing some heavy daily/monthly running. For those who are looking to move house or for those with big weekend getaway plans, better to get the Marazzo or even the 500 at about a lakh extra.
Pricing will be absolutely critical for the 300's success, I feel.
As for my booking, I shall wait till they allow me an exhaustive TD before I finalise. I am not impressed by the practicality offered by the 300, and I am not one who is easily taken in by
dhinchak chamak wow-wow features.
As of now, I am sitting on the fence.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR Open portion is to allow large devices, like a tab for example. Mentioned in most UK reviews of the Tivoli. |
Not practical for Indian conditions specially if a rat or a cockroach enters the cabin area. Also if kids are inside and they try to pry the contents out from that hole!