With changing customer preferences, segments are getting blurred in the heavily contested Rs 5-15 lakh space and we are of course, talking about under 4m SUVS. No other segment has had so many launches with everyone launching a new SUV here with buyers comprising first time car owners to those who are switching from a hatchback or sedan. We saw no less than three new launches recently with the latest one being Mahindra with its XUV 3XO. The XUV300 is now called XUV 3XO but it goes beyond a new name with comprehensive updates to the styling plus interiors and a new automatic gearbox as well with its turbo petrol. We drove the new automatic variant to find out whether it really has been worth the wait or not.
Does it look good?
Looks are subjective and here, while it is a facelift, Mahindra has completely redesigned the car and it actually looks all new. Compared to the earlier XUV300, the XUV 3XO is bold, aggressive and divides opinion but it does stand out- which was needed in this crowded market. While it stays under 4m, the XUV 3XO has a distinctive front which sort of brings in the latest Mahindra design language that we saw in their BE electric concepts along with a hint of XUV700. There are new C-shaped DRLs plus the gloss black grille contrasts well with the new headlamps along with a more angular bumper design. Elsewhere, there are new 17-inch alloys while the rear has a new full width connected LED light bar plus the number plate position has also been moved along with a sharper look. The XUV 3XO does look larger than rivals, is the widest SUV in its class and also has a more aggressive look. Sure, the front end divides opinion but it stands out which the earlier XUV300 did not.
Is the interior spacious?
Step in and the white upholstery adds a sense of space even though it might be difficult to keep clean over time. Where the XUV 3XO scores the most is the space on offer which actually betters some 4m plus SUVs! The rear seats are easily the most spacious in its class with excellent legroom and width where three passengers can sit (with a middle passenger headrest as well) plus headroom is fantastic too. The rear seat is set slightly low and thigh support could have been better though. In terms of its boot capacity, an issue with the earlier XUV300, Mahindra has increased it now but it still is less than rivals.
What about features and quality?
Step inside and the XUV 3XO gets a new 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system and the screen has a crisp display quality with a clearly laid out design similar to the XUV700. There is also a new steering wheel plus a new digital instrument cluster with loads of information. In terms of quality, there are no scratchy plastics here as soft touch leatherette inserts on the top end as seen here increase the cabin ambiance and it does not feel built to a price. There are plenty of physical buttons too while storage is also quite good. The feature list is where Mahidra has done a good job with equipping it with amenities normally seen on 4m plus SUVs. While it gets the basics like 6 airbags standard, connected car tech with in built apps, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, there is a massive panoramic sunroof which for a sub 4m SUV is indeed a big plus along with a crisp sounding 7-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with customisable sound modes, a powered hand brake, 360 degree camera (with blind view monitor), dual zone climate control and Level 2 ADAS. The aircon cooled down the cabin pretty well while the 360 degree camera has a clear display too plus the audio system sounds nice. That said, cooled seats or a powered drivers seat would have also been nice.
How does it drive?
We will talk about the new 1.2l turbo petrol which pushes out 130hp and 230 Nm along with either a standard fit 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter that you see here. The engine is refined though and is quite smooth with the automatic gearbox being perfect for low speed driving with no jerks. The steering is light too and while it is not a high revving engine, it has plenty of power on offer with a muscular mid-range. It also cruises very well and is a relaxed performer too plus despite the lack of paddle shifters, the engine did feel responsive. Here, you get more power than others and it shows while in terms of its steering, it is light while the feedback is similar to the XUV300. There are drive modes like the XUV700 too while Zap is best for city and overall over Zip and Zoom. Ride quality and suspension tackles our roads better than its rivals though with excellent 200mm plus ground clearance plus high water wading ability. That said, the suspension overall is on the softer side. Efficiency is 18kmpl plus but in real world based, expect 10-12/14 kmpl depending on the way you drive. Level 2 ADAS is also something not found in this segment and during our test, the features worked well on clearly marked roads while some of the functions were not overly sensitive too.
Verdict?
Prices have been kept competitive as clearly Mahindra now wants a larger slice of this segment and has done everything possible to do that. The XUV 3XO is now vastly more recommendable over the XUV300. The aggressive looks, space and features along with the power on offer make it a very good choice with only its small boot being a drawback. Yes, some of the feature highlights are on the top-end variants only but it does feel like a 4m plus SUV despite being under 4m and is now a capable SUV which should do better than the XUV300.
What we like
Features, space, power, suspension, aggressive looks, interior design.
What we do not
Small boot, no paddle shifters
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