Compact  diesel SUV comparison: Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs Competition

Mahindra officially kicked the hornet’s nest when it launched the XUV 3X0. Even though the compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, buying a diesel vehicle is limited to only four options — the new Mahindra XUV 3X0, the Tata Nexon, the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet. Diesel might not be driving the surge in demand in this segment, but there are still many takers who would like to opt for this fuel option as it’s more fuel efficient than petrol. We take a closer look at how the new Mahindra compact SUV fares against its competition.

Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs Competition: Engines

Let’s start with the matter of heart as we are highlighting diesel engines. A 1.5-litre diesel power plant powers all four SUVs, but it’s the XUV 3X0 that edges its rivals as the most powerful diesel compact SUV with 115bhp of output and a class-leading torque of 300Nm. All the vehicles come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but only the XUV 3X0 and the Sonet are available with automatic options. The Mahindra gets a 6-speed AMT while the Sonet gets a full-fledged 6-speed torque converter automatic, a first in this segment. Apart from this Kia SUV also offers a 6-speed clutchless 6-speed manual gearbox. 

Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs Competition: Features

The Mahindra compact SUV has the advantage of being the latest to enter this segment. Hence, It comes packed with the latest features and that too segment first. The XUV 3X0 is the only SUV in its segment that comes with a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, dual-zone climate control and an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. The Hyundai Venue comes with an 8-inch touchscreen while the rest of the SUVs get a twin 10.25-inch display for the infotainment system and the driver’s console. The XUV 3X0 is the only SUV to sport the largest 17-inch alloy wheels in its class and a front centre armrest with storage space. All the vehicles get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the XUV 3X0 gets a 6-speaker JBL system, Kia and Hyundai come with a 6-speaker Bose system and the Nexon takes it a step further with a 9-speaker JBL system. 

The XUV 3X0 misses out on a couple of crucial features like a powered driver seat and ventilated front seats. 

Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs Competition: Safety

Mahindra has left no stone unturned when it comes to safety features. The XUV 3X0 is the first in its class to be equipped with Level 2 ADAS. Only the 3X0 and the Sonet come standard with all four disc brakes. With Level 2 ADAS, the 3X0 gets adaptative cruise control from its flagship XUV700 while the Sonet and Venue get Level 1 ADAS. The Nexon, on the other hand, misses out on this safety feature. Apart from that, all the SUVs are equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitor system, ISOFIX child seat anchors and front and rear parking sensors. 

Out of the four SUVs in this comparison, the XUV 3X0 and the Nexon have received a 5-star GNCAP safety rating making them the two safest SUVs in the segment.

Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs Competition: Price

With fully loaded features along with a spacious cabin, Mahindra has aggressively priced the XUV 3X0 diesel as it starts from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 14.99 lakh, ex-showroom. It is the second most affordable sub 4 metre after the Sonet, which starts from Rs 9.80 lakh, ex-showroom. One also has to keep in mind that the Kia SUV is the most expensive diesel in this comparison to the rest of the SUVs as it comes with an automatic torque converter transmission while the XUV 3X0 gets Level 2 ADAS.