Mahindra XUV 3XO: The Mahindra XUV 3OO seems more than just a facelift to the XUV300 that was present in the Indian market and acted as the sub-4-meter SUV. It’s an extensive refresh designed to pour style, technology, safety and performance into a crowded urban-friendly box. Tata Nexon,Hyundai Venue and Maruti Brezza) with its bold design enhancements, smarter interiors and fresh line-up of powertrains. So, how does it hold up?
Mahindra XUV 3XO Strong Design and Road Presence
The biggest change that you see on this car is how much more aggressive the XUV 3XO is compared to its predecessor. At the front, a new grille that’s full of angular bits, and those C-shaped LED DRLs add a futuristic vibe. At the back as well, the car has got a refreshed look with glossy LED tail lights that are linked by a light bar along with a new bumper design.
It retains the silhouette, but proportions now appear grown up. The SUV looks sporty and young with the introduction of fresh set of alloy wheels and new dual-tone paint schemes. It has quite some muscular notes, despite the size being rather compact.
Premium Touch Inside
You climb inside and instantly, the cabin feels like the next level. Front and center is a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with a digital driver’s display that oozes premium. The design is simple, clean and much more modern than in the past.
Good quality materials, some hard plastics still in evidence. What distinguishes themselves is the attention to detail in the upper-trims including wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, and dual-zone climate control, something that is infrequent in this class.
Comfort and Practicality
As a subcompact SUV, the XUV 3XO does well with the cabin space. For the driver and front passenger, there’s plenty of space and support; in back, rear passengers will find plenty of leg and headroom. That middle passenger may feel pinched, though, on longer trips.
The only negative is the 295 litres of boot space might not be enough if you travel heavy. That said, the fold-down rear seat backs are useful for expanding the cargo area when required.
Engine options and performance
Mahindra XUV 3XO is available with the following engine options:
The powertrain Here is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol,
A 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, and
A 1.5-litre diesel engine.
The turbo-petrol is punchy and provides a quiet and refined delivery, particularly in conjunction with the new 6-speed automatic. It’s smooth in traffic and perky on the highway.
The diesel engine, while a little louder than the gas four, is a frugal and torquey choice for those with longer commutes or highway runs. The manual gearbox is a slick unit, and even the clutch action is sweet, easy for urban use.
Ride and Handling
Where the XUV 3XO shines is in the ride quality. The car inspires confidence as it absorbs bad roads well, thanks to a well-tuned suspension setup. Even at higher speeds, it remains planted and has great highway manners.
In the city, it’s agile enough and the steering is light but accurate. It’s a car that can zip through narrow lanes or cruise on expressways with a confident driving experience.
Safety and Tech Features
This is an area where Mahindra is a step ahead. The XUV 3XO is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill start assist and even Level 2 ADAS features on higher trims—an unusual sight at this price point, but a welcome one! Components such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and forward collision alert give it a clear edge.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Bold and modern design
Great with safety and ADAS features.
Potent turbo petrol concerned motorcyclist!
Smooth ride and refined handling
Features and options heavy, particularly at upper trim levels
Cons:
Limited boot space
Base models lack some important features
Diesel engine slightly noisy
Still some budget items when it comes to cabin materials
Mahindra XUV 3XO Verdict
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good evolution from the XUV300. Sharp styling, improved equipment and real-world utility add up to a more compelling package for city and highway dwellers alike. It’s not perfect, of course, with a cramped boot and relatively ordinary features in its base model, but it delivers a lot where it counts: safety, performance and comfort. 3XO makes a really strong case for itself for those considering a fully-loaded, edgy and compact SUV, after all.