The sub-compact SUV in India witnessed a huge disruption with the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO in April 2024. This heavily redesigned XUV300 successor has created a lot of buzz in the market, promising to fix the shortcomings of the previous model and introduce segment-first features.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | Rs. 7.99 – 15.80 Lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Engine Options | 1.2L Turbo Petrol (110 bhp), 1.2L TGDi (129 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (115 bhp) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic, 6-speed AMT |
| Safety Rating | 5-star BNCAP |
| Mileage | 17.96-21.2 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Boot Space | 295 liters |
| Fuel Tank | 42 liters |
| Ground Clearance | 201 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
Engine and Variants
The XUV 3XO continues with the same set of engines seen on the older version, with three options. The base 1.2-litre turbo petrol makes 110 bhp and 200 Nm, good enough for city driving with decent fuel efficiency of around 17-19 kmpl.
The highlight is new 1.2-litre TGDi direct injection petrol, good 129 bhp and 230 Nm. There’s adequate mid-range punch in this engine and highway overtaking is a breeze. The new torque converter automatic transmission works well with both petrol engines, smoother than the jerky AMT.
For diesel lovers, the 1.5-litre turbo diesel continues to be the best in class with 300 Nm torque. The manual transmission is seamless, but the AMT is reluctant in lower gears, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Design and Styling Updates
Mahindra has completely redesigned the XUV 3XO’s exterior. The new front face features vertically arranged headlamps with C-shaped LED DRLs, making it look related to the XUV700. The wide grille has diamond-shaped detailing and connected LED tail-lamps.
The side profile has chunky cladding and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on higher variants. But the styling is divisive, some find it bold and fresh while others think it’s too dramatic for the segment.
Interior Space and Features
The cabin is a big upgrade over the previous model. Mahindra has given the XUV 3XO a free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and matching digital instrument cluster, same as the XUV700.
Space is excellent, with class-leading rear legroom for 5 adults. The dashboard has soft-touch materials and premium finishes on higher variants and plenty of storage spaces for practicality.
Key Features:
- Panoramic sunroof (segment-first)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 360-degree camera system
- Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
- Level 2 ADAS on top variants
Safety and Build
The XUV 3XO’s biggest achievement is its 5-star BNCAP rating, making it one of the safest in the segment. All variants come with six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes and comprehensive safety features like ABS, EBD and ESP.
Higher variants get advanced driver assistance features like forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The build quality is robust and users often praise it as tank-like.
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Ride and Handling
The suspension does a good job of handling Indian roads, the ride is compliant and absorbs bumps and undulations without compromising stability. Highway behavior is good overall, with little body roll in corners and acceptable feedback from the steering.
Braking is consistent, all-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping power. NVH has improved, engine noise is well controlled and cabin insulation is effective.
Fuel Efficiency
Real world fuel efficiency varies across engine options and driving conditions. Diesel variants deliver 15-16 kmpl in city and 19-21 kmpl on highway. Petrol engines show mixed results, manual transmission delivers 15-17 kmpl in combined and automatics can drop to single digits in city driving.
Key Limitations
Even with the great things the XUV 3XO has some compromises. Boot space is the smallest in segment at 295 liters, the loading sill is high and makes luggage handling difficult. No ventilated front seats is felt during Indian summers, diesel AMT’s jerky behavior in lower gears affects city driving.
Other missing features include paddle shifters for automatics, full-sized spare wheel and effective halogen headlights on lower variants. The light colored interior while premium is hard to maintain.
Pricing
Priced between Rs. 7.99-15.80 lakh the XUV 3XO is a value for money proposition in the sub-compact SUV segment. It competes with established players and has unique selling points like safety, powerful engines and segment-first features.
It checks most of the boxes of its predecessor and adds some new ones. If safety, features and driving performance is your priority over fuel efficiency then it’s a good option in the sub-compact SUV space.
