REVIEW: Mahindra XUV 3XO is really great value, but there are a few niggles

Mahindra was not joking when it boldly proclaimed at the launch of its XUV 3XO that the new model was going to disrupt the compact SUV space.

Whereas its predecessor barely featured on the sales charts, the 3XO has been consistently notching up monthly sales in the region of 500 units.

With an eight-model range, priced from R254,999 to R404,999, it’s not hard to understand why, particularly given that all are well appointed for the money and a 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine, with 82kW and 200Nm, features as standard across the range.

Which is the best model to buy?

I spent a week in the range-topping AX7 L auto, but having scanned the spec sheet, I really feel that the MX3 auto model, at R294,999, really hits the sweet spot in the range as it has most of what buyers are looking for in the segment, including a sunroof and wireless phone charging. But don’t take my word for it - check out the detailed specs and find out which one suits you best in our launch article.

The 3XO also boasts sharp new looks. If it seems a little familiar to you it’s because the newcomer is in fact an extensive facelift of the previous XUV300. 

But it’s a lot more hip and happening with its C-shaped headlights that flow into a sharply contoured grille. Snazzy Bi-LED projector headlights and diamond-cut alloy wheels are standard from the midrange AX5 upwards.

Is the Mahindra 3XO a good family car?

The interior packaging is a bit of a mixed bag and it’s all got to do with India’s tax break for vehicles that measure less than four metres in length.

Whereas other similarly sized Indian-built SUVs, such as the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, were purpose-designed around those dimensions, the XUV 300 was based on the Ssangyong Tivoli, because Mahindra owned the Korean brand at the time and using an existing SUV architecture made sense. Trouble is, the Tivoli is almost 4.2 metres long, and so some chopping had to be done on either end of the vehicle and boot space was compromised as a result. 

That said, Mahindra did manage to liberate a fairly reasonable 364 litres of luggage capacity in the 3XO by making the boot somewhat deep, but the fixed parcel shelf fitted to our car and the high boot aperture make accessing the luggage area a somewhat frustrating process.

On the upside, retaining the Tivoli’s 2,600mm wheelbase means the interior is surprisingly large for a vehicle in this class and I was able to place my average sized frame comfortably behind my driving position, with some space to stretch.

The cockpit area of the 3XO has been given a makeover and although it has a modern layout, complete with a high-mounted touchscreen, the shiny piano black plastic surfaces covering large parts of the dashboard appear somewhat low-rent. That’s certainly forgivable at the price point though, and the flagship AX7L does come with soft touch synthetic leather on the upper dash and door trims.

From MX3 upwards you get a 10.2-inch touchscreen (the base model has 9" infotainment) and from AX5 there’s a matching digital instrument screen. But what I really appreciate is that you still get physical controls for the ventilation system as well as a proper volume knob. Mahindra has also fitted a combination of USB A and USB C ports in the front cabin, while back seat occupants have access to a C single port.

The only real ergonomic niggle for me was the lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel, but that’s probably not a deal-breaker in this segment.

Performance and economy

A unique selling point is that the 3XO is the only turbocharged SUV in the sub-R300,000 segment, if you ignore the Citroen C3 1.2T, which is not really an SUV anyway. But this is a real bonus for those of us living at altitude, as it doesn’t lose up to 17% of its power at Joburg elevations like its normally aspirated compatriots do.

But with the 3XO tipping the scales at 1,389kg, it is heavy for a vehicle of its size and thus performance is adequate rather than zesty. Thanks to its three-cylinder layout the engine also sounds quite thrummy, but gear-changes are well executed and we really appreciate that Mahindra fitted a proper six-speed torque converter gearbox to the auto versions, rather than one of those droney CVTs or jerky AMTs that are common at this level.

Oh, and there are three drive modes - Zip, Zap and Zoom - which are easily toggled via a button on the centre console.

Fuel economy was reasonably good, especially considering the car’s weight, with our test unit sipping an average of 7.8 litres per 100km.

Is the 3XO worth buying?

There are a few niggles, but with its funky looks, vast range, generous equipment and bargain pricing at the lower end of the range, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a vehicle you simply cannot ignore if you’re shopping at the more affordable end of the SUV segment.

IOL