Safest Car In Africa: ­Mahindra XUV300

"Put it through its paces," is what Ian Ackerman from Mahindra Umhlanga said to me as he handed me the keys to the new Mahindra XUV300. So I took him literally and did just that. The Mahindra XUV300 really stood up to the plate.

From the outset, Mahindra have given the new XUV300 a stylish floating roof, which accentuates the overall sculptured look, a compact SUV finished with diamond cut 16-inch alloy wheels. It was talking the talk, the looks of the new XUV300, complete with roof rails and a striking front grille, are cutting edge.

Getting into the XUV300 the full leather upholstery sets the tone for a luxurious and spacious cabin. The large colour infotainment screen, which is very important to many people, had way more functionality than I could ever need. It connected to Apple Car Play almost instantaneously and my Bluetooth music was blaring through the surround sound speakers the moment I set off. The XUV300 is crammed with useful tech like a digital tyre direction indicator, an auto dimming rear-view mirror, and the electric sunroof and dual zone aircon make it next level luxurious.

The open road stared at me and I revved back, I had the W8 diesel version of the new Mahindra XUV300 and with it came 300 Newton metres of torque, which worked really well with the six speed manual gearbox. I found myself skipping from third to sixth and smiled as I watched the revs drop and the fuel consumption follow suit. It was smooth driving, I regularly had to back off the accelerator as the XUV300 just wanted to go. I employed the speed control system and the kilometres just slipped by. Overtaking was a breeze as the massive torque meant I hardly had to change down, the engine just pulled through every time. We arrived at my favourite 4X4 testing grounds, the Kosi Mouth estuary and surrounding soft sands. We trundled past the 4X4 Only sign and down to the water. The Mahindra XUV300 performed with style and grace, we flitted across the soft sand, waded through the tidal ponds and made it all the way to the mouth. I was very impressed with the performance of the suspension and kept remarking on the comfort levels.

On the way home I may have pushed it a little, and my thoughts turned to the all round disc brakes, which reduce your stopping distance quite considerably, as well as the fact that the new Mahindra XUV300 had recently been awarded five stars in the GNCAP safety tests. With ABS and EBD and seven airbags, I felt safe all the way to my door.

Speak to Ian at Mahindra Umhlanga about the XUV300 model that suits you, you will find him in the village in Umhlanga at 190 Ridge Road, or call him on his cell 083 775 8403 or their landline 031 561 1415.