By Otsile Kadiege

We have long been a fan of Mahindra’s XUV300 and we believe it’s an underrated player in the compact SUV segment. In a bid to make it competitive, the automaker has heavily revised the XUV300 with a new design, a new interior with premium appointments and new technology, upgraded safety, new powertrains, new model derivatives and a new name – XUV 3XO.

Exterior design

Outside, one would mistake the updated XUV 3XO for an all-new model thanks to extensive exterior updates. These include a completely redesigned front-end featuring a newly designed bumper with some sharp edges, a new grille with slanted vertical slats and two-part LED headlights with integrated C-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Apart from prominent contrasting wheel arches and newly designed 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, much of the profile remains unchanged. At the rear, the XUV 3XO gets an LED Infinity Lightbar which connects with the C-shaped taillights. Another highlight includes a contrasting black lower bumper with silver trimmings.  

Interior design and technology

Inside, the XUV 3XO’s interior complements its striking exterior with a blend of premium appointments and modernity. Its cabin boasts premium Ivory colour interiors with a leatherette dashboard that extends to the door trims, and leatherette seat upholstery.

More noteworthy features for the high spec derivative include a newly designed three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, a 10.25-inch touch display running on a new infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, USB-c ports, a seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a 380W amplifier and a panoramic sunroof. According to Mahindra, luggage capacity has increased to 364 litres which can be increased by folding down the 60:40 split rear seats.

Safety and advanced assistance systems

As standard, the XUV 3XO has 35 safety features. These include a 360-degree surround view system with Blind View Monitor, new-generation Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with hill hold control and hill descent control, 6 airbags, 4 disc brakes, 3-point seat belts and seat-belt reminder for all seats along with passenger airbag on/off for child safety, ISO-FIX child seats with top-tether, among others.

Powertrain

Powering the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a 1.2-litre TCMPFi turbo-petrol engine delivering 82 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The XUV 3XO is equipped with the XUV 700’s 6-speed AISIN 3rd Gen automatic transmission. Customers who prefer rowing gears by themselves can opt for a 6-speed manual gear box. Sadly, the punchy and frugal 86 kW/300 Nm 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is currently not available for the XUV 3X0.

Pricing, model range and warranty

XUV 3XO 1.2T MX2 MT – R254,999

XUV 3XO 1.2T MX2 AT – R274,999

XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 MT – R274,999

XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 AT – R294,999

XUV 3XO 1.2T AX5 MT – R319,999

Customers can visit their nearest Mahindra dealer from 20 September 2024 to test drive and even order their new XUV 3XO. Deliveries will start in the first week of October.

The Mahindra 3XO is sold with a 5-year / 150 000-kilometre mechanical warranty. MX models are offered with a 3-year / 55 000-kilometre service plan, and the AX models have a 5-year / 100 000-kilometre service plan.