But for one annoying shortfall, 3XO starred on test
Starting at R255K, Mahindra considers its little XUV 3XO to be something of a disruptor. At R405K, this 1.2T AX7L automatic flagship with the kitchen sink too, certainly is. One of the coolest small cars to come our way in a while. It has it almost all right, too.
Look at the pictures without knowing what it is, and you’d be forgiven that this is some sort of mini-Lamborghini. Penned by Mahindra’s Chennai, India Research Valley design studios, 3XO has a bold, athletic silhouette that commands attention.
3XO comes with mini-Lambo looks
Billed as a standout SUV-like design, it blends bold lines with signature DRL Auto Dimming Bi-LED projector head, LED front fog and infinity bar tail lamps to great effect. A distinctive grille, piano black and body finishes and 17-inch diamond cut alloys add unexpected drama to this dramatic little car.
It’s just as cool inside too. The little 3XO’s plush and sophisticated soft-touch black leatherette clad cabin under a cool panoramic skyroof brings what Mahindra calls superior SUV comfort. In fact, its dual, 10.25-inch digital floating high-resolution gauges and wireless CarPlay and Auto connective and online navigation infotainment screens deliver a far more luxurious ambience than you’d ever expect at this level.
That proverbial kitchen sink is accompanied by wireless mobile device charging and an ultra-fast laptop-capable 65W USB. The central screen even doubles as a surround view system with blind view monitoring and tyre position display, every time you negotiate a tight corner or intersection, and when you park. Quality 7-speaker Harman Kardon Premium audio has a nine-channel equaliser, amplifier and sub-woofer.
Beautiful, big, bold knobs and buttons
We really like that this little car keeps all the necessary buttons and that it has big, bold knobs for the main cabin functions. It still retains all the touch and other functionality for the geeks, but for once, everyone will be happy communicating with this car. Even regular human beings like us.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO also features passive keyless entry with push button start, auto wipers, tyre pressure monitoring and three-point seatbelts. The dual zone climate control sports rear vents and there’s even a cooled and lit glovebox. The driver seat is height adjustable and he or she has a one-touch function on their power window.
A versatile 364 litre boot sits behind the 60:40 split rear bench, which has its own rear armrest and cup holder. 399 cm long ,182 cm wide and 165 cm tall, a generous 2.6 metre wheelbase and 45% ultra-high strength steel shell and bring both cabin space and handling advantages.
Versatile 3CO suspension supports SUV promise
Versatile multi-tuned valve damped MacPherson strut front and twist beam rear suspension also make for an impressively smooth and comfortable ride. Zip, Zap and Zoom smart driving modes optimise dynamic, economical or comfy driving. There are also smart steering modes, while ESP and an auto hold electronic parking brake come standard.
Mahindra quaintly claims that the feisty 82kW 200Nm 1.2-litre mStallion turbo petrol will rush to a 60 km/h in a dynamic 4.6 seconds. Don’t tell them, but it’s actually quicker according to the trusty Auto test kit. Even though this one ran the solid third generation Aisin 6-speed torque converter auto box.
We managed 4.29 seconds to sixty. And an impressive 10.61 to 100. Which is what everyone else usually refers to. For the rest, besides an iffy throttle at times, it does it all as well as you’d expect. Or want. The base model comes pretty well stacked, at the price. Packing six airbags, ESP and all-wheel disc wipe braking across the range. This one even offers 10-feature Level 2 ADAS safety. Which is fantastic. But…
But wait, there’s just one big little problem
While just about everything else about the fine Mahindra XUV 3XO rates very high with us, there’s only one problem. To have Level 2 driver assistance at this level is awesome. But for goodness sake, if perchance we want to switch all, or some of the nannies off, why can’t we? Quickly, simply and at the touch of one button?
This brilliant car is ruined by is overzealous driver assistance that we could not find a way to extinguish. Mahindra, give us one, simple button, on the steering wheel, or in a clear position on the dash, where we can switch it all off at a dab. Then this great little car will be a no brainer. Sadly, until that’s in place, it’s a deal breaker.
For the rest, this little Mahindra is a damn decent little car. It’s even supported by a surprisingly capable 90-dealer body and brilliantly backed by a 5-year 150,000 kilometre Mahindra mechanical warranty. And supported by a 5-year 100,000kilometre service plan.
It’s a simple fix to sort those overbearing driver assistants. But to do that will more than double the Mahindra XVV 3XO’s appeal to us. And surely to most other motorists. We look forward to experiencing this car again, like that, and sooner, rather than later… – Michele Lupini.
Road Testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T AX7L
Engine: 82kW 200Nm 1.2-litre turbo petrol I3
Drive: 6-speed automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.29 sec
0-100 km/h: 10.61 sec
0-120 km/h: 15.26 sec
400 m: 17.3 sec @ 128 km/h
80-120 km/h: 15.26 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 175 km/h
Fuel: 5.6 l/100 km
CO2: 140 g/km
Range: 740 km
Warranty/Service: 5y 150K km/5y 100K km
LIST PRICE: R405K
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