Mahindra unveiled its new-generation 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with direct injection at Auto Expo 2020, but it took the carmaker over two years to launch it in the market.
The engine has finally made its debut in the Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport, and we experienced it on a gymkhana circuit. Has it been worth the wait? Here’s what we think.
Christened mStallion 130, this turbo-petrol unit belongs to the same engine family as the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that does duty on the XUV700, Scorpio and Thar.
The XUV300 TurboSport is a three-cylinder unit displacing 1,197cc, similar to the existing 110hp 1.2-litre turbo-petrol version, which sells alongside.
But this mStallion 130 is fitted with a new turbocharger, high-pressure direct injection and variable valve timing, among other ancillaries.
As a result, not only does it come with the promise of an iCAT-certified 18.2kpl fuel efficiency, but it also boasts of class-best power and torque figures of 131hp and 230Nm (21hp and 30Nm more).
What also makes a strong first impression is the way this engine responds to accelerator inputs.