Starting with the design, the 3XO, despite being a facelift of the older XUV 3OO, looks significantly different from its predecessor. The front features a new face with a glossy black panel, the Mahindra logo, and chrome slats. The headlamp structure is entirely new, incorporating sleek LED DRLs. New power lines on the hood, along with a side profile featuring prominent lines and largest-in-class 17-inch alloy wheels on the top variant, enhance its appearance. The rear sports tail lamps stretching across the width, giving it a wider stance. Overall, the 3XO looks more dynamic and has a better road presence, although the front design may be subjective to individual tastes.
Inside the cabin, the changes are even more pronounced. The dashboard now features soft-touch materials, lending a premium feel uncommon in this segment. The pattern on the dashboard and the quality of plastics and fitment are impressive, contributing to a high-end look. The new infotainment screen is responsive and supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and various connectivity features, making it a fully connected car. The centre console retains some elements from the outgoing model but includes modern touches like wireless charging, USB sockets, and practical storage spaces. The multi-functional steering wheel and the instrument cluster, reminiscent of the XUV 700, enhance the overall experience. In fact, the driver’s view of the road is quite similar to its bigger sibling. The seats offer good cushioning and support, though they lack ventilation. A panoramic sunroof adds to the appeal, unique in this segment.
Moving to the rear seat, the dimensions remain unchanged, preserving the spaciousness of the previous model. The rear seat offers ample legroom, knee room, and headroom. The cushioning and under-thigh support are commendable, and the armrest and backrest angle ensure a comfortable experience.
In terms of performance, the XUV 3XO has seen significant updates.
It now includes level two ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), similar to the XUV 700, enhancing active safety. ADAS features like lane detection, collision avoidance, and driver attentiveness monitoring are now accessible at an affordable price, starting at Rs 11.99 lakhs. The SUV offers three engine options: two petrol and one diesel. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, the most powerful in its segment with 130 PS and 230 Nm of torque, is available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The non-turbo petrol and diesel engines also offer automatic options, though the diesel comes with an AMT to keep costs down.
The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is powerful but exhibits noticeable turbo lag, only delivering a burst of power after 3,000 RPM. The automatic transmission variant upshifts at around 5,000 RPM, limiting the ability to hold gears, which might not appeal to enthusiasts. Nonetheless, the engine is refined, with minimal noise and vibration at cruising speeds, even at three digits. The ride quality is good, handling is stable, and the steering offers decent feedback. Drive modes (Zip, Zap, Zoom) cater to different driving preferences, adding to the premium feel.
Mahindra has priced the XUV 3XO aggressively, leveraging their status as a large buyer of tech in India to include many features at a competitive price. This disruptive pricing will not only benefit consumers, but it will also offer great value for money and will potentially prompt rivals to offer discounts or price cuts.
Overall, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong contender in the sub-compact monocoque SUV segment, combining premium features, good performance, and attractive pricing. It promises a great driving and ownership experience, making it a significant player in its class.