Mahindra, the automotive giant from India, is a brand on the rise in New Zealand, and its latest offering, the XUV 3XO, is here to add a little spice to the hotly contested subcompact crossover market. A comprehensive facelift of the previous XUV300, the 3XO joins the XUV700 and Scorpio in Mahindra’s local SUV lineup, aiming to win over Kiwi buyers with a compelling blend of style, features, and value. We spent some time with the top-of-the-line AX7L model to see if it delivers.
The 3XO presents a unique and modern face that you won’t mistake in a car park. The front is dominated by a blacked-out grille with six vertical chrome slats and Mahindra’s distinctive “twin peak” logo, which looks like a butterfly or a bowtie. This is flanked by sharp, distinctive DRLs that give it a contemporary edge.
Our test model came in a vibrant “Tango Red” with a contrasting blacked-out roof, a dual-tone scheme that enhances its stylish profile. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with quality Goodyear tyres, and the look is toughened up by black trim around the wheel arches and along the sills, giving it that requisite rugged crossover look.
While it’s a thoroughly modern design, there are hints of its heritage. The 3XO is built on the same X100 platform as the old SsangYong Tivoli, and those in the know will spot the wide rear haunches as a carry-over from that model. Around the back, a chunky bumper, roofline spoiler, and what Mahindra calls ‘Infinity’ tail lights complete the look, though (despite their name) these light bars do, in fact, have an end.
Step inside the flagship AX7L, and it’s clear Mahindra went through the options list and ticked every box. For a vehicle targeting competitors like the Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota Corolla Cross, the level of standard equipment is seriously impressive.
The first thing you’ll notice is the massive “Skyroof,” Mahindra’s panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light. The seats and parts of the dashboard are trimmed in a soft-touch leatherette, and key touchpoints like the steering wheel feel quite upmarket and well put together. The feature list is extensive: a seven-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, and a central infotainment screen all come as standard.
Practicality is also a priority, with good-sized door cubbies, a small storage box under the armrest, and dual cup holders. However, this is a car built to a price. While it feels screwed together well, you’ll find plenty of rough, scratchy plastics, and some finishing details are a bit sharp. You might also have to slam the doors to get them to close properly. Despite these minor points, the cabin is a comfortable and spacious place to be, with supportive seats that hug you well.
Powering the 3XO is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox. This peppy unit produces 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. The engine has a pleasing note when you put it under pressure and provides plenty of performance for city, suburban, and motorway driving. While it can run out of steam during high-speed overtakes, it’s more than adequate for the daily grind and will happily sit at 100 km/h all day. Claimed fuel efficiency is a respectable 6.5 L per 100 km.
On the road is where the 3XO truly impresses. Mahindra has invested heavily in local testing, putting the car through some 40,000 km of road testing on New Zealand roads, plus another 10,000 km with a trailer attached, to get the suspension tune just right for Kiwi drivers.
That effort has paid off. The 3XO drives with a smoothness and composure that belies its price point, handling even poor-quality road surfaces with relative ease. The ride is slightly firm but never uncomfortable or jarring. On winding back roads, it handles tight turns surprisingly well, feeling secure and planted. With Zip Zap and Zoom drive modes offering a variation on the SUV’s throttle responses too. For a vehicle of its size, it performs admirably on long runs as well as around town. The only minor drawback is some wind noise from the mirrors on blustery days.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a classic case of substance over absolute perfection. Yes, it’s built to a price, and this is evident in some areas of fit and finish, like panel gaps and the use of hard plastics. However, it’s hard to argue with the incredible value proposition. The level of equipment in the top-spec AX7L is astounding for the category, and the excellent driving dynamics, a direct result of extensive local tuning, make it a pleasure to pilot.
When you add in a spacious interior and a massive 7-year warranty for peace of mind, the 3XO punches well above its weight. If your priority is getting the maximum amount of tech, space, and driving enjoyment for your money, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a spicy new contender that demands serious consideration.
