Mahindra is on a mission to increase its footprint in the passenger-car market and the XUV 3XO may have a critical role to play in that regard. We drove the budget crossover to the Pilansberg to see whether Mahindra’s confidence in the model is merited.
What is an XUV 3XO?
The XUV 3XO is technically a facelifted XUV 300, but so much of this car is fresh that it’s more like a new car than an update, which is also why Mahindra renamed the model. Compared with the 300, the 3XO has new underpinnings, a reworked suspension, an entirely new interior and sharper styling. The only notable part carried that was over is the 1.2-litre turbopetrol, which is now the only engine in the line-up.
Considering its pricing, size and trim grades, the Mahindra XUV 3XO straddles a few segments. At 3.99m in length, it’s similarly proportioned to the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger and a little smaller than a Kia Sonet, but interestingly, the Mahindra has a longer wheelbase (2.6m) than those 3 competitors.
The pricing on this XUV 3XO ranges from R254 999 to just over R400k (correct in October 2024), which means the Indian-build newcomer also competes with the top-selling Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Starlet Cross, to name a few examples. Then again, virtually every volume brand offers a model in the R300k-to-R450k range – this segment garners the bulk of SA’s new passenger-car sales!
Is the XUV 3XO well specced?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO lineup is stacked, with no fewer than 8 variants to choose from. All except the highly specced AX5L and AX7L derivatives are offered with the choice of a manual gearbox or automatic transmission; Mahindra SA’s analysis shows that most buyers now prefer automatic in this segment…
We drove the top-specced AX7L, which has a relatively stratospheric level of spec, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist – where have you EVER seen those 2 features included at this price (R405k) on a new car? For the range’s full spec list, see Mahindra XUV 3XO (2024) Price & Specs.
All derivatives come standard with electronic stability control and 6 airbags, which certainly lifts the segment standard when it comes to must-have safety features. The rear seats also have 3 proper seat belts (none of that lap-belt malarkey for the middle-seat occupant), rear ventilation and a USB C port.
In terms of tech, Mahindra has worked hard to ensure that its XUV 3XO range provides a good level of connected features and all variants from the MX3 up come equipped with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto along with the larger (26 cm) touchscreen infotainment system.
The MX3, which still retails for under R300k, even includes a wireless charging pad and sunroof. If you’re looking for outstanding value for money in the XUV 3XO range, look no further than the MX3 auto.
The model’s interior build quality is good, and the top-of-the-range AX7L features leatherette trim on the dashboard, seats and door inserts. Whereas Mahindra’s previous small cars have felt as if they were built to a (low) price point, the XUV 3XO’s cabin material and finishes seem more substantial, upmarket even.
What’s the XUV 3XO like to drive?
Let’s start with the good points: the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which produces 80 kW and 200 Nm of torque, really suits this model. Whereas most of the Mahindra’s rivals make do with small-capacity naturally aspirated engines that suffer a power dropoff of about 17% at altitude (in places like Joburg, Pretoria and the rest of the Highveld), the XUV 3XO’s punchy forced-induction motor won’t.
The 2nd point to mention here is that the XUV 3XO has a conventional torque-converter-type automatic ‘box, not an automated manual (AMT) or continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps it deliver a much smoother and less elastic (or, in plain English, annoying) driving experience by comparison.
I felt the engine-transmission combination worked well, even in scenarios where you need to execute overtaking manoeuvres at above 100 kph. The transmission isn’t eager to kick down, but once you lean harder on the accelerator pedal, the ‘box kicks down quickly and delivers acceptable overtaking urge.
Meanwhile, the XUV 3XO delivers a resolved driving experience and ride quality. The cabin seems well-insulated and its positive road holding and stability at speed add to the impression that the Mahindra is a well-engineered product. It doesn’t feel anywhere near as budget-oriented as some of its rivals; even the steering has a reasonable weight to it, which instils confidence that the car won’t wander between lanes.
Is anything not good about the Mahindra?
With its lofty specification and commendable build quality, the XUV 3XO feels like a frontrunner in the segment. One thing I noted during the launch drive, which could be considered a drawback, is that the steering column lacks reach adjustment – it can be adjusted up/down, but not towards/away from you. As someone with longer legs and shorter arms, reach adjustment helps me find a better driving position.
The top-spec AX7L features ADAS (Mahindra’s Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and forward-collision alert. However, those systems need a bit more refinement for local conditions: the lane-keep assist seemed a trifle too eager and the adaptive cruise control was a little slow to react once traffic ahead of the vehicle had moved out of the way.
Standard cruise control is available from the MX3 derivative and up, so if you don’t gel with the ADAS system, you can always settle for either the AX5 or MX3 variants… and save yourself a few rands.
Mahindra XUV 3XO pricing and after-sales
The Mahindra XUV 3XO comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and the MX derivatives have a 3-year/55 000 km service plan, while the AX versions have 5-year/100 000 km service plans.
| 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 |
| XUV 3XO 1.2T AX5 AT | R344 999 |
| XUV 3XO 1.2T AX5L AT | R374 999 |
| XUV 3XO 1.2T AX7L AT | R404 999 |
New Mahindra XUV-3XO Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used Mahindra XUV300 listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Summary
The Mahindra XUV 3XO represents a notable step up from the XUV 300 thanks to better quality cabin materials and much-improved refinement. The combo of a turbopetrol engine and conventional auto transmission alone makes it a solid contender at this price point. Also, the spread of safety features is excellent across the range and, the features list is comprehensive by budget crossover standards.
There is a lot to like about this new Mahindra – the XUV 3XO demonstrates that the brand is constantly improving its product offering to be a stronger competitor in one of South Africa’s busiest car segments.
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Mahindra XUV 3XO (2024) Price & Specs
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