KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- XUV 3XO available with three engine options
- To-variants get ADAS Level 2 safety
- A new 6-speed AT gearbox for the turbo-petrol engine
Mahindra's only compact SUV has been recently revised with a thorough facelift. The 2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO is now available at a starting price of Rs 7.49 lakh; which surely is mouthwatering. However, we've tested this C-SUV in and out and before you make your buying decision, read below our top 5 positives and top 5 negatives of the XUV 3X0. Also, make sure to become a part of our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group to get the latest automotive news and updates.
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Mahindra XUV 3XO - 5 Positives
1) Spacious Cabin & Comfortable Ride Quality
The biggest USP of the 3XO is its uber-spacious cabin. The light colour interiors offer a decent space for a family of 5 people. The front seats offer good cushioning while the rear seat design is also sought for long-distance comfort. Three passengers can easily sit abreast at the rear seat. Moreover, there are plenty of storage spaces all around the cabin for convenience. Adding to this is the re-tuned suspension of the XUV 3XO that offers a supple ride quality. Bumps, undulations, and cracks on the road are soaked well by its suspension. Moreover, this highway stability and ride is also confidence-inspiring.
2) Strong Engine Performance & Smooth AT Gearbox
Ever since its launch, the XUV300 has been loved by owners and enthusiasts for its strong engine performance. This fact remains unchanged on the new 3XO as well. Available in three engine options, the practicality and power are well shared across its range of variants. Mahindra offers two turbo-petrol engine options and a turbo-diesel engine to choose from. All of these offer a torquey and grunt-rich performance. Additionally, the diesel engine is loved for its fuel-efficient nature and it has proven to be a typical highway cruiser. To improve the engine driving experience, the new 3XO now comes with the option of a 6-speed AISIN-sourced torque converter auto gearbox. It is a very smooth unit that also delivers good fuel economy. Sadly, it is only available on the 1.2L TGDi petrol engine.
3) Strong Build Quality & Top-Notch Safety
The overall build quality and fit-finish of the 3XO are superb. There are no panel gaps or inconsistencies in the metal or plastic quality. The fitment of panels and plastic elements like the bumpers is spot-on. Also, the interior quality is no less than a German car. The top-notch material used for leather and stitching with the best threads along with good quality plastic used all around the cabin, give a cumulative feel of a premium car.
The outgoing XUV300 was a GNCAP 5-star crash test rating car. It was one of the safest SUVs in India. The newer model has uplifted this game one step above. For the top variants, the XUV 3XO comes equipped with ADAS Level 2 features. These include active front collision warning and autonomous assist features like auto braking and pedestrian alerts. Moreover, features like adaptive cruise control and lane-assist monitoring help in providing high-speed crashes on the highway. For the rest of the variants, 6 airbags, EPS, ABS, and all-wheel disc brakes are now standard. Hence, the safety is uncompromised.
4) Feature Loaded To The Brim
Mahindra is known to offer some of the most well-equipped SUVs. The value-for-money proposition of the XUV 3XO is no different. While its top variants are on the pricey side, they're feature-loaded. In fact, the mid-level AX5 trim and above variants get the latest features like a sunroof, cruise control, a bigger infotainment screen, etc. The top model gets a 360-degree parking camera, a huge panoramic sunroof, and leather seats as well. Not to mention, the features like voice command assist make it even more loaded tech-wise.
5) Multiple Variants To Choose From
The XUV 3X0 range starts from just Rs 7.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It is available in multiple trims beginning from AX, MX, and then the LX options. This wide variety of options is a boon for customers. Additionally, the availability of diesel and petrol engine options for all the powertrains further enhances the ease of buying for the customers.
Mahindra XUV 3XO - 5 Negatives
1) Radical Design
The latest facelift of the 3XO has taken the design philosophy a bit too far. The styling of the front end is very radical and it has received mixed reviews from the customers as well as the audience. We personally feel that the front design could've looked better; especially around the headlights. The front doesn't resemble the outgoing model and neither it falls in line with the bigger Mahindra XUV700.
2) Fuel-Thirsty Petrol Engines
While there is no doubt that the turbo-petrol engines of the XUV 3XO are punchy to drive, these are not as fuel-efficient as you would expect them to be. The rivals like Maruti Brezza offer better fuel efficiency when compared to the XUV. In fact, we tested the 1.2L TGDi engine mated with the 6-speed AT gearbox for a fuel economy run. The results after a 130 km mix drive within the city and on the highway were shocking. Watch below our detailed drive review with the fuel economy run.
3) Jerky AMT Gearbox on Diesel Engine
Mahindra is still offering the same AMT auto transmission on the diesel engine as earlier. While it is an efficient powertrain, the gearbox is super jerky in the first two gears. Within the city, it pulls the RPM to higher levels before upshifting. The confusion of this gearbox makes the drive very awkward and unpleasant. At this price tag, we would love to see a torque converter gearbox that can actually let out the complete performance of this diesel engine.
4) Small Boot Space
The main con or negative with the XUV300 was its minimal boot space of 295L. This, ironically, is unchanged on the new XUV 3XO as well. So, if you have a big family or you travel a lot with luggage in the boot of your car, the XUV 3XO isn't the best choice in its segment. The limited boot space can prove to be a dealbreaker. Moreover, to give you a fake idea that the boot size is bigger, the car comes without a parcel tray!
5) Crucial Features Still Missing
While the top-spec version of the 3XO is well-equipped in terms of safety and connectivity, there are some crucial features missing as well. For example, it doesn't have ventilated front seats. Now this is a very handy feature because Indian summer weather is too harsh. Moreover, the missing parcel tray, a full-size spare wheel, etc., make the whole value-for-money equation questionable. Rivals like the Kia Sonet offer a smaller but feature-loaded cabin.
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Verdict
As per us, the XUV 3XO is definitely one of the considerable products in its segment. It has a strudy build quality, the ride is cushioning, braking is strong, and the presence of ADAS feel even more safer. However, its limited boot space and costly top variants are not so likeable. Tell us in the comments, would you choose the 3X0 over its rivals?
