The new Mahindra TUV300 takes on the Reinvigorated Renault Duster
The small SUV space in the Indian car market is growing slowly, but steadily. After the not so successful Quanto, Mahindra has introduced a more serious contender in the market- the TUV300. With this new SUV, the UV specialist is targeting a wide spectrum of products ranging from compact SUVs like the Ford EcoSport to MPVs such as the Maruti Ertiga and Honda Mobilio. Speaking of rivals, another major competitor is the Renault Duster which has among the best-selling small SUVs in India. Although the TUV300 is a sub 4-meter offering, Mahindra has made it very clear that it sees the 85 PS version of the Duster as a major rival. How exactly do these two small SUVS compare with each other? Find out here in our Mahindra TUV300 vs Renault Duster spec-sheet comparo.
Also See – Mahindra TUV300 | Mahindra TUV500
Design
Both vehicles get an unmistakable SUV-like appearance offering very good road presence. However, the TUV300 gets a much more butch exterior with its straighter, angular lines and rear mounted spare wheel. The looks might divide opinion as people tend to associate such angular designs with utilitarian offerings such as the Bolero. The Renault Duster features a much safer design which has a more universal appeal. The flared wheel arches, high set bonnet, etc work very well together to make the Duster a very smart looking SUV. And the recent facelift has made the Duster a bit more appealing than before
The cabin of the facelifted Duster feels a lot better in terms of quality of materials and levels of fit and finish. The layout is neat and tidy and the colour scheme used is also pleasant. The TUV300’s cabin feels more premium and features an elegant design. It also gets a 5+2 seating layout which gives it a slight edge over the Duster’s 5 seat configuration.
Also See – 2016 Renault Duster
[box type=”success” ]The Renault Duster looks more premium on the outside, but, when it comes to the interiors, its the TUV300 that fares better than the Duster. [/box]
Features
Both vehicles offer similar levels of equipment. However, the Duster’s features list is a little longer thanks to the touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, etc. A major talking point here are the two additional jump seats offered on the TUV which makes it a 7 seater. Although most buyers will be using these vehicles as 5 seaters. The Renault Duster features rear AC vents which the TUV does not get.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Mahindra TUV300 Details[/box]
[box type=”success” ]The duster gets more features, but the TUV300 gets two extra jump seats.[/box]
Specs
| Mahindra TUV300 | Renault Duster | |
| Type | 1.5 L mHawk80 diesel | 1.5 L TDCi Diesel |
| Displacement | 1,493 cc | 1,461 cc |
| Power | 84 bhp | 84 bhp |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual/5-speed AMT | 5-speed manual |
| Mileage | 19.49 kpl | 19.87 kpl |
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Mahindra TUV300 vs Ford EcoSport[/box]
The diesel motors powering these SUVs are quite similar in terms of specifications, but the TUV300’s unit churns out more torque than the Duster’s. It is also offered with an optional 5-speed AMT as well. While Renault has also added a 6-speed AMT to the lineup, it is available only with the more powerful 110 PS version. Same goes for the optional AWD system.
[box type=”success” ]The TUV300’s motor has more torque and features an optional AMT gearbox. [/box]
Price
| Mahindra TUV300 | Renault Duster | ||
| T4 | INR 6.98 lacs | Base | INR 9.27 lacs |
| T4 Plus | INR 7.33 lacs | RxE | INR 9.47 lacs |
| T6 | INR 7.63 lacs | RxL | INR 10.27 lacs |
| T6 Plus | INR 7.88 lacs | RxS | INR 10.77 lacs |
| T6 Plus AMT | INR 8.90 lacs | RxZ | INR 11.47 lacs |
| T8 | INR 8.48 lacs | ||
| T8 AMT | INR 9.20 lacs | ||
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – TUV300 vs Ertiga vs Mobilio vs Lodgy[/box]
Although the TUV300 tops out at the price at which the Duster starts, keep in mind that the former is smaller vehicle as well. And also, these are introductory prices which will go up after a few months. However, all things considered, the TUV300 offers very good value for money and boasts of a significant price advantage over the Renault Duster.
[box type=”success” ]In terms of pricing, the two SUVs miles apart with the Duster being more expensive than the TUV300 by almost 2 lacs! However, they belong to different segments which justifies the price gap.[/box]
Verdict
Both SUVs featured here are very competent vehicles which have managed to impress us in multiple areas. Although the Renault Duster and the Mahindra TUV300 do not belong to the same segment, most buyers are likely to take into consideration these two SUVs, among others, before taking a descision. The TUV300’s key strengths are its features, 5+2 seating configuration and price. Its love it, loathe it looks are sure to divide opinion and might turn out to be the deal breaker for some. The Renault Duster on the other hand boasts of smarter looks, bigger size and fantastic ride quality. However, the interior quality is not up to the mark and it can seat only 5.
[box type=”success” ]The Mahindra TUV300 offers the appeal of a proper SUV at a much lower price than the Renault Duster[/box]
What do you think of our Mahindra TUV300 vs Renault Duster Comparo? DO let us know via the comments section below and stay tuned to CarBlogIndia for more.
