Mahindra XUV 3XO SUV First Drive Review: A comprehensive challenge to the champion

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is essentially based on the XUV 300, even though the Indian carmaker often underlines its unique highlights and significant updates. Perhaps this is why the name has been completely changed. However, it will take a lot more than a name change to challenge the champion and lower the playing field for sub-compact SUVs.

What does the Mahindra XUV 3XO bring to the table? How does it differ from the XUV 300 and does it have the potential to challenge the champions and emerge as the new big boss? Here’s our first-drive review of the Mahindra XUV 3XO:

See: Mahindra XUV 3XO Review: XUV300 Reborn With More Excitement and Style? | Check – Price, Interior, Colors

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Variants and Price

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is offered with two petrol and one diesel engine options. Both come with automatic and manual transmission options. There are nine broad variants with a base MX1 with a manual gearbox ₹7.49 lakhs. The top-of-the-line AXL variant is priced ₹15.49 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). Check the full price list of XUV 3XO here.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Exteriors

The XUV 300 has always been seen as a bit of an introvert in terms of its exterior styling. Understated, underplayed and understyled. Mahindra XUV 3XO is the exact opposite of all this. At less than four meters in height, the SUV has a wider stance and looks noticeably different from many angles to the model it now replaces.

From the rear the XUV 3XO poses most confidently and its massive proportions are amply highlighted by the prominent light bar connecting the two reworked tail lights. The rear bumper is also now more prominent and gives the vehicle a very strong visual presence.

The front end of the XUV 3XO has also been extensively redesigned though it may not suit everyone’s artistic palette. Be it the C-shaped DRLs or the new projector lights or even the updated grille, the face has undergone significant surgeries and while it’s not boring, it certainly can’t be impressive either. The bumper has also been reworked while the contour line on the bonnet has been updated.

From the side, the Mahindra XUV 3XO looks very similar to the XUV 300 – surprisingly because while the front and rear have been redesigned big-time, it looks like the designers may have completely forgotten about the model from this angle. The dimensions have not changed (ground clearance is up to 20 mm) and most of the cuts and creases have been moved forward. However, the few changes that have been made include a fresh alloy design, larger 17-inch wheels on the top variant and prominent body cladding.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is available in as many as eight color options although the Citrine Yellow shade looks gorgeous – this is of course a personal opinion. The AX7 and AX7 L variants also come with dual-tone options.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Cabin

If the changes on the outside are significant, the updates on the inside are complete. Someone at Mahindra sat down to patiently list all the flaws in the XUV 300 and made a deliberate effort to fix each one. The result? Mahindra XUV 3XO.

The biggest gripe I always had with the XUV 300 was how bland its interior was – both in terms of features as well as aesthetics. XUV 3XO is more cool in comparison and yes, both in terms of features and aesthetics.

The top-end AX7 L variant in this review session gets generous use of soft-touch panels on the reworked dashboard and doors, a flamboyant dash of piano black finish on the dashboard and center console, and perforated leather seats in plush cream. The color premium feel is a big jump from the previous model, though maintaining the color and piano black finish will be a task.

But do you really care if you’ve spoiled the original with features? The cabin of the XUV 3XO brings a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and also a 10.25-inch all-digital driver display, which has been directly teleported from the larger XUV 700. Both screens contain and will take a lot of information. Some first time Mahindra owners are getting used to it. Fortunately, the touch interface is mostly prompt and there is minimal screen glare. There’s also support for wireless Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay, though both were unavailable at the time of review due to certification wait times.

Special attention has also been paid to the sound system and the Harman Kardon unit combines four speakers, two tweeters and a sub-woofer to drown out everything around.

There are plenty of storage options, a cooled glovebox with several charging points (including a 65W USB fast charger), dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, a 360-degree camera and a spacious sunroof that is the largest in the segment. And while the folks at Mahindra have packed the 3XO with a lot of features, they have missed out on one of the most practical convenience highlights in the Indian climate – the ventilated seats.

The earlier XUV 300 was also very cramped and Mahindra has focused on that. In comparison, the XUV 3XO feels more airy and comfortable.

The emphasis on width translates into respectable shoulder room for three in the back while knee room, legroom and legroom are all adequate. Dedicated headrests, well-cushioned seats, dedicated AC vents and foldout armrests make the second half of the XUV 3XO a great place to be. As for the front, all these components are carried forward and offer a relatively high seating position. Beautiful view around. And if you’re going on a long journey, there’s some good news for your luggage as the previously low cargo area has been tweaked for the lower floor to allow more bags to be stacked on top of each other. The specific capacity figure has increased from 259 liters to 295 liters.

Then the cabin inside the XUV 3XO is a radical update and it’s a job that’s done very well, possibly one of the biggest sticking points for rivals.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Drive

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is also trying hard to be an enthusiast’s car. Three engine options are available and the option to choose between manual, AT and AMT. During this review, the unit was the one with the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder TGD-i petrol motor with an Aisin-sourced six-speed torque converter.

At least in this version, the XUV 3XO is one of the most exciting cars to drive with dollops of power (130 bhp) and torrents of torque (230 Nm). The mStallion turbo petrol motor is an extremely keen unit that responds to minute throttle inputs with aplomb. But this doesn’t come at the expense of refinement as there isn’t much in terms of noise inside the cabin even when the SUV is pushed around.

The torque converter also ticks the numbers nicely and emphasizes the vehicle’s ability to run. While I would have liked more control courtesy of the paddle shifters, there’s still the option to take control manually via the stick.

But for all the eagerness, the XUV 3XO is a little jerky to drive at low speeds and within city limits. Even in the coolest drive mode – Zip, it’s very keen to zoom. And yes, Zip, Zap and Zoom are the three drive modes.

The SUV also benefits from well-weighted steering that has a reassuring feel at high speeds. It may not be the most precise when the car is being thrown around but for everyday drives, it holds its own well. And yet another feather in the cap is the high ground clearance and slightly stiffer suspension that helps the XUV 3XO move smoothly over most road deviations.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Safety

The XUV 3XO comes with Level 2 ADAS, making it the only car in the segment to offer this. Assisted driving systems are made possible by a front camera, a front radar, all-around ultrasonic sensors and a 360-degree camera. Six airbags for all seats, electronic stability control and three-point seat belts are standard across all variants. Other safety highlights include a tire pressure monitoring system and a blind view monitor.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Verdict

It will need a solid offering to compete in the sub-compact SUV segment in India. The good news for Mahindra is that the latest XUV 3XO is solid and then some. The regular turbo petrol and diesel engine versions are priced very well and offer a lot of features.

The XUV 3XO with the TGD-i engine is on the pricier side but is ahead of its own league and aims big. Mahindra has tried to cover most of the bases and the XUV 3XO has all the potential to emerge as a very strong performer.

Date of first publication: 08 May 2024, 12:07 PM IST