The Mahindra XUV 3X0 is a compact SUV that’s big on features. But should you buy it?
The Mahindra XUV 3X0 has arrived as an impressive contender in the compact SUV segment, boasting a blend of style, performance, and practicality that appeals to both urban and adventurous drivers.
As the market for compact SUV’s continues to grow, Mahindra & Mahindra is entering and “disrupting” the scene with its new XUV 3X0 which showcases a modern yet bold design, its signature Mahindra grille and sleek LED headlights.
On Tuesday, Mahindra extended an invitation to automotive journalists and content creators to Sun City for an immersive two-and-a-half-hour journey in the new XUV 3X0.
The event was an opportunity to experience its capabilities first hand in various driving conditions, and as we gathered at the starting point, excitement filled the air. The striking design of the 3X0 caught immediate attention and the promise of adventure ignited curiosity.
When you step inside the AX7L flagship version, the 3X0 impresses with its spacious cabin, comfortable leather seats and a layout that gives the compact SUV a premium feel.
The driving experience was smooth, even on the not-so-perfect roads riddled with potholes.
The lane keep-assist feature and adaptive cruise control made it easy to stay on track while driving on roads with faded markings, while the display panel constantly shows the legal speed limit as it changes in case you miss the road signs. This is a feature I can foresee being a favourite for extra cautious drivers like myself.
The semi-long distance trip was made a breeze with its improved infotainment system, which includes a responsive touchscreen interface, bluetooth and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay, and a Harmon Kardon sound system (in the range-topping AX7L) that may make you extend your drives just to jam to your favourite playlists.
Its premium features also include wireless charging for your mobile device, so you can say goodbye to the feeling of disappointment whenever you realise you have forgotten your charging cable at home or in the boot, as well the “largest Panoramic Sunroof” on its flagship model.
The car, with its modern and advanced tech is perfect for young, first time drivers who are still nervous about navigating clutch-control during city traffic and therefore prefer an automatic transmission with a friendly entry-level price tag attached to it. It is for the same reasons, along with the fact that the inside looks ‘bougie’, that I would personally buy the 3X0.
Safety features
Safety is a priority in the 3X0, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, such as the six airbags even in its standard models, electronic stability control and additional safety tech including parking sensors, a rear and side view camera that comes on each time you click the blinkers, ensuring extra peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Performance
The driving experience is smooth, with responsive handling that instills confidence whether you're driving through city traffic or tackling winding country roads. The Mahindra 3X0 is equipped with an efficient engine that offers a good balance of power and fuel economy with a standard 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 82kW and 200Nm.
The vehicle is available in both a six-speed manual and six-speed auto transmission guises, catering to drivers of either preference.
The XUV 3X0 has a starting price of R254,999 and tops out at R404,999 for the range-topping AX7L that I drove.
The Mahindra XUV 3X0 also has five model grades to choose from, the MX2, MX3, AX5, AX5L and AX7L, and is available in all colours of the South African flag to celebrate 20 years of the brand in South Africa.
Click here for more information on the range, features and pricing of the various models