• Mahindra's seven-seat TUV300 receives a midlife facelift.
• There's only one derivative available at launch: the T8 model that retails for R254 999.
• Exterior changes include a new front bumper, fresh headlight design a new X-design rear-mounted spare wheel holder.
Indian carmaker Mahindra has released an updated version of its TUV300, with midlife cosmetic changes and a specification upgrade. The boxy-shaped people mover now has a new grille, headlights and an updated low front bumper.
At the rear there is a redesigned light cluster and a newly-designed spare wheel holder. There's only one model available at the moment, a top of the range T8 model that retails for R254 999.
The front end is dominated by lots of chrome and a carbon-black finish has been integrated into the headlight design to merge with the grille. The front end is finished off with new fog lamps and front scuff plate finished in a metallic grey.
The wheel arches now have black cladding on them and there's a redesigned rear-mounted spare wheel cover to feature a stylish X-design and a rear spoiler.
Inside its not much different with only new silver detailing around the air vents and main controls the only changes. There are four colours available at launch: Lava Red, Diamond White, De Sat Silver and Sunset Orange.
Image: Quickpic
Mahindra is at pains to list all the T8's standard features and these include: steering-wheel mounted controls, an infotainment system with Bluetooth phone connectivity and an in-built voice messaging system, electric windows, air conditioning, height adjustment for the front driver seat, rear-mounted Intellipark parking assistance and electric windows.
Image: Quickpic
The TUV300 can carry up to seven people, although you should preferably have small kids in the rear-most seats as there's not much legroom to play with.
It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 73.5kW and 240Nm, with power sent to the rear-wheels via a manual five speed gearbox. The TUV300 is sold with a five-year or 90 000 km service plan and three-year or 100 000km warranty.