Mahindra has established itself as a leading SUV manufacturer in terms of revenue and holds the second position in volume and market share. However, the compact SUV segment has been challenging for the company, with the XUV300 failing to significantly impact sales. In response, the Indian automaker has revamped and rebranded this model as the XUV 3X0.
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO (Auto and Farm Sector) at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, has openly stated that the company is currently in fifth place in the sub-4-metre SUV category but is determined to become a top contender by disrupting the market. As a result, Mahindra has introduced the new XUV 3X0, which is more than a mere facelift of the XUV300; it boasts leading features and offers great value for money in the compact SUV market.
Mahindra XUV 3X0: Mini Me XUV700
The XUV 3X0 has undergone a comprehensive facelift, which gives it an impressive road presence. The front fascia has been completely reworked, with a piano black plastic panel and chrome inserts on the nose. The elongated LED DRLs in the previous model have been replaced by C-shaped ones, which come with LED projector headlights and fog lamps.
The air intake vents have been pushed down to the front bumper, which is complemented by a silver-coloured faux skid plate. The 3X0 boasts a new angular design with strong character lines. From the front, the 3X0 resembles a mini XUV700 in many ways.
The 3X0 boasts solid black cladding on the wheel arches and door panels, creating an almost identical side profile to its predecessor. The 17-inch alloy wheels on the 3X0 are the largest in its segment, while the lower trims come with either 16-inch steel rims or 16-inch alloys. With a ground clearance of 201mm, the 3X0 offers ample clearance for any terrain. The rear of the vehicle has undergone a radical design change, featuring sleek C-shaped LED connected tail lamps.
Mahindra XUV 3X0: Interiors and Features
Entering the cabin, you’ll be reminded of the XUV400, although it boasts some subtle enhancements. The upper dashboard and door panels feature a soft-touch leatherette finish, a segment-first. The lower dashboard largely mirrors the XUV300, constructed from hard plastic. Similar to the XUV400, the new 3X0 comes with a 10.25-inch floating infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, over 80 connected features through Adrenox, and a premium seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a 380W amplifier.
Mahindra has introduced segment-first luxury features such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a front armrest with storage, integrated Alexa, and a 65W USB-C charger capable of charging laptops, along with a wireless charger, rear AC vents, and a rear Type-C charger.
The Mahindra 3X0 is one of the safest SUVs in the market, boasting 35 safety features. This compact SUV is the first to offer a radar and camera-based Level 2 ADAS suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, forward collision warning, among others. Additionally, it is equipped with a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system, a blind spot monitor, and standard all four-disc brakes across the range. The 3X0 also introduces an electronic brake with auto hold, marking another segment first.
Mahindra XUV 3X0: Driving Experience
The XUV 3XO continues to offer the same three powertrains as the XUV300, which includes two turbocharged petrol options and one diesel engine. The base models are equipped with a 109bhp, 1.2-litre engine producing 200Nm of torque, while the higher-end models feature a 129bhp, 1.2-litre TGDi engine with 230Nm of torque. Additionally, there is a 115bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine with 300Nm of torque. The petrol engines come with a 6-speed manual or a new 6-speed automatic torque converter automatic transmission, whereas the diesel is paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-step AMT. We drove the 129bhp automatic petrol variant.
| Engine | Power Output | Mileage (ARAI) kmpl |
| 1.2-litre turbo petrol | 109bhp / 200Nm | MT: 18.89 / AT: 17.96 |
| 1.2-litre turbo petrol | 129bhp / 230Nm | MT: 20.1 / AT: 18.2 |
| 1.5-litre diesel | 115bhp / 300Nm | MT: 20.6 / AMT: 21.2 |
The XUV 3X0’s powertrain is a driver’s delight as it offers responsive power from the word go thanks to the direct injection and variable valve timing. Its low-end torque is particularly impressive, enabling the XUV 3X0 to navigate through traffic with ease and accelerate quickly for overtaking. The exhilarating speed becomes apparent in the mid-range powerband, where the compact SUV seems to launch itself forward as if an afterburner has been engaged.
The new 6-speed torque converter from Asin shifts up smoothly, but flooring the accelerator pedal is not the way to optimize the transmission’s performance. There may be a slight delay in the first few gears, but once it finds its rhythm, it smooths out any initial roughness. If there were any criticisms to be made about the transmission, the downshift could be more immediate, rather than taking a moment to respond.
The XUV 3X0 features three driving modes: Zip, Zap, and Zoom. Zip mode is designed for fuel efficiency yet provides ample power for navigating start-stop traffic and overtaking with ease. Zap and Zoom modes add an extra zest, delivering a peppier response for a more engaging driving experience. Additionally, the XUV 3X0 includes three steering modes — Comfort, Normal, and Sport — to further enhance the driving dynamics.
Mahindra XUV 3X0: Ride, Handling and Comfort
The XUV 3X0 is the widest SUV in its sub-compact class, providing it with the stability to remain firmly on the tarmac and confidently navigate corners. Its chassis design elevates it far above its competitors, offering class-leading razor-sharp handling capabilities. The vehicle’s predictable body roll ensures it can be easily steered through tight turns.
Despite its robustness, the XUV 3X0 absorbs most bumps with ease, though at lower speeds, deep potholes can cause a noticeable jolt. While it may not offer the plush ride quality of its rivals, its suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and agility. This makes the Mahindra compact SUV appealing both to driving enthusiasts and passengers in the rear seats.
Mahindra has meticulously considered passenger comfort in the design of the XUV 3X0. With a 2,600mm wheelbase, the longest in its category, it boasts superior legroom for both front and rear passengers. Additionally, its segment-leading width allows three adults to sit comfortably in the back without feeling squeezed. The low-profile transmission tunnel also contributes to ample legroom for the middle passenger.
The previous model, the XUV300, faced criticism for its limited 257-litre boot capacity. This has been addressed in the XUV 3X0, with an increased capacity of 295 litres. Although the loading bay is now higher, the space is adequate for a family of four. The standard 60:40 split-folding rear seats enhance the versatility of the XUV 3X0’s luggage area.
| XUV 3X0 | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Ground Clearance | Boot Space |
| Dimensions | 3990mm | 1821mm | 1647mm | 2600mm | 201mm | 295 litres |
Mahindra XUV 3X0: Is It Worth Your Money?
Mahindra is focused on offering a safe, feature-rich SUV with value for money. To achieve this goal, the XUV 3X0 is priced lower than its competitors, including the segment leader Tata Nexon, by approximately Rs 65,000. The XUV 3X0 is available in a turbo petrol engine, with the entry-level variant priced between Rs 7.49 lakh and Rs 10.69 lakh, and a single automatic variant priced at Rs 10 lakh.
Watch video: Mahindra XUV3XO Review | Express Drives
The more powerful TGDi engine comes with a manual transmission and is priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 14 lakh, while the AT variants, available in two trims, AX5 L and AX7 L, are priced at Rs 13.49 lakh and Rs 15.49 lakh respectively. The diesel range includes ten different variants, priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, and Mahindra is offering three AMT trims.
Beyond the aggressive pricing, the XUV 3X0 offers a driving experience that enthusiasts will appreciate. It is equipped with one of the finest torque converter transmissions in the market and is loaded with convenience and safety features, including Level 2 ADAS. Should Mahindra promptly commence deliveries of the midrange trims, which offer the most value in the compact segment, the Indian automaker stands a significant chance to rejuvenate its presence in the sub-4-metre SUV category.
