While some upgrade from a Honda City to the Germans, I was looking for something to be driven on bad roads short of off roading, something rugged and also for a car not spending a lot of time with the mechanic, to be trouble free and with a good safety record.
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One year & 24000 kms
While some upgrade from a Honda City to the Germans, I was looking for something to be driven on bad roads short of off roading, something rugged and also for a car not spending a lot of time with the mechanic, to be trouble free and with a good safety record.
Thus, I got a XUV 300 W8 O dual tone aquamarine MT Diesel on March 12th, 2021 which was delivered home at 8 pm.
Soon after delivery
Some thoughts about the MT
- If there was a good TC/ trouble free DCT available this might not have been written.
- My driving style is not suited for an AMT.
- I like to be in control of the car all the time.
- Acceleration is very important to me in city traffic or on highways.
- I love changing gears, whether engine braking or accelerating and I love how this engine responds.
And some contrarian thoughts
- Being on the wrong side of 55, having had 14 surgeries on the left knee, being in some discomfort all the time and as someone who treats knee injuries I’ve found that working the long clutch pedal good therapy.
- While most of the driving was on highways, I’ve driven across the length and breadth of Chennai multiple times in horrible weather and roads, besides being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic especially near Sriperumbudur upto an hour I’ve found the gears easy to shift and trouble free.
My daily commute to work and back is only 14 kms and most of the mileage was after coming back from work at around 5 pm on Saturday and coming back on Sunday evening. The first long trip of around 3000 kms was in April, along the coast from Pondy to Kanyakumari and back which gave a lot of confidence about going on and on especially on bad roads.
The mileage has improved and once gave 19.9 km on a 300 km trip and I’m not a sedate driver by any means.
On the way to Chennai
Things I added/ changed
- Got a new speaker system.
- Installed front and rear dashcam.
- Got new boot mats as we have 2 dogs.
- There was a sidewall puncture at 20,000 kms and I got UC6 Conti tyres for the front. I plan to change the other two also soon as the stock MRF Ecotred while it may last longer has problems with grip.
- The wipers were changed at 20000 kms.
In a tier 2 city, the ASC guys have been friendly and accomodating. I plan to change the spare to r 17 and they got a tyre and tried it which fit in my bootwell and waiting for the steel rim from Boodmo. The maintenance cost has been minimal with only the oil change. I was worried about the light interior but it has been easy to maintain. The brakes had a disconcerting sharp bite initially which is not there now.
The one thing I am worried about is the blindspot of the A pillar. While I always look on either side while turning right, a stationary person is still an issue especially in the dark. I’ve also found the fog lights to be of use to illuminate the sides especially on the moonscape of the Chennai-Kanchipuram section at night with unmarked lanes and unlit to be able the median better.
The boot space is not a problem for me and well compensated by more than a few commenting on how comfortable the rear seat is even with 3 adults.
Overall, I am happy with the performance and having had to visit the ASC only for routine maintenance.
Keyword: 1 year & 24,000 Km with a Mahindra XUV 300