Mahindra & Mahindra, the homegrown carmaker, makes some of the most interesting cars in the segment. The manufacturer has tried and tested most of its smaller cars in the Indian market, but it has been only popular for making SUVs, and the most well-sorted SUVs to be quite frank.
Over the years, Mahindra has proved its worth by making some of the most fascinating SUVs in each particular segment, be it the sub-4m compact SUV space, the mid-size space, or the big full-sized SUV segment.
And if you’re one looking to purchase a Mahindra cars – probably next year in 2021 – then we do have something very crucial for you. This list comprises of the most affordable cars the automaker makes and sells in the Indian market starting with, of course, the most affordable and climbing the ladder as we write. So, read on.
1. Mahindra KUV100 NXT
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT might seem like a hatchback on steroids, but it is actually a very small size for those on a tight budget. However, if you factor the starting price of the small SUV – let’s call it an SUV for the sake of this article, shall we? – then the KUV100 NXT makes a lot of sense. You get some extra height, which means a commanding view of the road, along with nicely-balanced exteriors. Plus, Tata and Hyundai – as per the latest leaks and rumours – are all set to introduce newer small SUVs in this segment, so the KUV100 NXT is likely to get cut-throat competition in 2021. Moreover, the small SUV comes powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which is good for 82bhp and 115Nm of torque. It only comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, and it’s available in a six-seater format.
2. Mahindra XUV300
The Mahindra XUV300 is the brand’s sub-4m compact SUV, which goes up against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and more. Therefore, it sits in a fiercely competitive segment and, therefore, it is a very crucial product for the homegrown automaker. The XUV300 is one of the most butch SUVs in the segment, and unlike its now-discontinued sibling – the TUV300 – the XUV300 is a more friendly package and comes with a decent equipment list with all the bells and whistles one would expect in this segment. Powering the XUV300 is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine making 109bhp and 200Nm of torque paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It also comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel (115bhp and 300Nm) that comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an AMT gearbox.
3. Mahindra Bolero
The Mahindra Bolero is more of a utilitarian product than an outright SUV. It is, however, still one of the best-selling products in not just its particular space, but also in the Indian car market overall. Although it might not be as plush as some of the vehicles in its price range, what works in the favour of the Bolero is its form and practicality over comfort. This engine is paired to a five-speed manual transmission.
4. Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar might be the last vehicle on this list, but it is definitely the first vehicle in the hearts of millions of Indians, including us. The second-gen Thar is as rugged as the one it replaces, but it also ups the ante with added comfort, features, and now it also brings a petrol engine to the mix, catering to most of the Indian consumers. Since we’re already on the topic, the petrol engine in question is a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, which is good for 150bhp and 300Nm of torque. Moreover, it also still comes with a diesel engine, which, then is a 2.2-litre mHawk 130 unit, which is capable of churning out 130bhp and 300Nm of torque. Both the engines are paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, and a 6-speed AT gearbox is optional for both. The Thar is also one of the most anticipated models of 2020. Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming cars in India, only at autoX.
