Mahindra XUV 3XO Review: Petrol Automatic Driven

Does Mahindra have an ace up its sleeve with the XUV 3XO? We find out.

Mahindra was late to the subcompact SUV game, and now, yet again, it is one of the last manufacturers to update its product. Was this deliberate? Maybe. But does that mean it has an ace up its sleeve? This review is about finding out just that. But before I talk about what’s new, let me tell you, what’s not.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: What’s Not New

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is still based on the same platform as the XUV 300 it carries forward the same engine options too and it’s a facelift and not a ‘new generation’ model. So clearly, not a lot has changed. Yet there are changes.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Design

The XUV300’s facelift is now called the 3XO and that’s the first time, probably in the world that we see the name of a facelift being changed completely. The other changes are to the front and rear. The design has been changed completely and that’s what grabs your attention. The C-shaped LED DRLs are the signature, and you get halogen headlamps on the base variant and LEDs on the top end.

The black grille with the chrome element is a bit overdone I feel, very pre-facelift ‘NEXON-ish’ but the upright stance and the muscle on the bonnet give it a rugged SUV look. The XUV3XO will be identifiable from a distance and that’s thanks to this element. The LED taillamp runs the width of the car and enhances the fact that this one is the widest in the segment, then there are these diamond elements which add to the appeal, the design element is subtle but there throughout the car.

It maintains the same profile as the XUV 300 and the haunches at the back and the front are very much there. But now, there are 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that are part of the package, and they fill the wheel wells. 16-inches are available on the lower variants, but the stance remains unchanged.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Interior

Inside, it’s a different story, as the changes made replicate the ones that you might see on a new-gen model. To begin with, the dash is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and this one is available from the second variant (MX3) onwards. The base variant does not get an infotainment system. This is the same unit that we’ve seen on the XUV400 and it’s intuitive and very sexy.

There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that the car gets but that is restricted to the top-end variant. The quality of materials used is top notch and yes that’s an evolution. But the white upholstery inside the cabin is a dust magnet and I dread to see what will happen to it when the monsoon kicks in and people start to drag wet mud into the cabin.

The space at the rear remains unchanged and that’s also because the wheelbase is the same 2600 mm. But rear AC vents are now available as standard on the car, something that went missing last time around. The boot space remains the same, but the high point of loading is still a point of contention. There’s also a ‘Skyroof’ aka panoramic sunroof available on the car which is a segment first. This too is restricted to the top variants only.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Features

On the features front, there’s a big leap, because now you get Adrenox on the 3XO, Mahindra’s connected car suite. So, wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto, remote start/stop and other functions are now part of the package. However, the cars that were given to us, did not have the Apple Car Play and Android Auto functionality, as Mahindra was awaiting certification.

The company assured us that the cars that will be delivered to customers, will have this functionality. But what’s interesting is that the Adrenox functionality is offered in a variant below the top-end, which makes it accessible and kudos to Mahindra on achieving that.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Engine & Gearbox

The 1.2-litre engine is available in 2 states of tune and the XUV 3XO that we drove had the powerful TGDi turbo petrol unit. It’s available in both manual and automatic transmission. Now Mahindra has introduced the 6-speed torque convertor on this engine, which makes it a perfect companion. The low-end torque does not kick in early so there is a lag. But it also depends on which driving mode you are in. In Zip and Zap, it’s lethargic, but Zoom brings out a different side of the car. The gearbox response is better, the acceleration is great, and you start enjoying your time behind the wheel.

This Aisin-sourced automatic is better than the AMT, no doubt about that and whoever in Mahindra took that decision, congrats, it’s the right one. There is a diesel engine as well, but it’s been carried forward from the previous model with no changes in the specifications.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Ride & Handling

Mahindra has made some changes to the suspension. It has added a rebound stopper in the top mount to reduce impact up front and the semi-independent rear suspension also has been improved to provide stability. What you get is a steady ride. On the big bumps, it’s very poised and even the small speed bumps on the road are dealt with with ease. The ride on the XUV 300 was always great, but the small changes add up to it having a very balanced ride.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Safety Features

The 3XO comes with 6 airbags, ESC all 4-disc brakes, seatbelt reminder for all, 3-point seat belts for all seats, and ISOFIX child seat mounts with top tether among others as standard. Mahindra has also introduced Level 2 ADAS functionality making it the only subcompact SUV in India to have it. And yes, it works like a charm. The ADAS is of course available only in the top 2 AX5L and AX7L variants.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Prices

On to the price then. Mahindra has won this battle for sure. With prices beginning from ₹ 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom India), the XUV 3XO undercuts all its rivals, except for the Renault Kiger (Petrol: ₹ 6 - ₹ 9.53 lakh/ Turbo-Petrol: ₹9.30 - ₹ 11.23 lakh) and Nissan Magnite (Petrol: ₹ 6 - ₹ 8.74 lakh/ Turbo-petrol: ₹ 9.19 - ₹ 10.66 lakh).

The top-end might be slightly costlier than the others, but there’s so much more on offer like Level 2 ADAS. With the pricing, Mahindra has aimed not only at the subcompact SUV space but even the compact SUV space.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Verdict

Mahindra then has nailed the pricing; it’s got the ride and handling bit spot on, and the styling will appeal to many people and set the benchmark for feature offerings. Is the XUV3XO worth buying? I would say yes. It’s a car that now is not vying for your attention but deserves it.

Photography By: Anand Malepu