The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a well equipped, polished little crossover pitched just right for the South African motorist. It offers value for money, good safety, frugal consumption, fair performance and is just big enough for a family of four. That is perhaps the reason it is already selling around 500 units a month locally. Did I mention it is good looking inside and out? I know it is subjective but it is a good looking car which should not date quickly.
The nose of the car is balanced, everything is in the right proportions to me. The LED headlamps and running lights look purposeful. At the rear the light bar running across the whole width of the car makes a statement and complements the large black bumper.
The 2 600mm wheelbase means the interior is surprisingly large and comfortable. The width of the car, at 1 821mm, lends it a feeling of lux with real elbow and shoulder room. You still get physical controls for the ventilation system as well as a proper volume knob. There are USB A and USB C ports in the front and a USB-C port in the back. The steering wheel has the audio, display and cruise control buttons.
From the MX3 model up the car sports a sunroof, 26cm Infotainment screen, smartphone integration, cruise control and a wireless charger, but from the AX5 up it is very well equipped with among others a digital cluster screen, rear view camera, leather steering wheel, tyre monitoring, auto headlamps and passive keyless entry.
In addition the AX7L has a Harmon Kardon audio system, leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 65 W USB-C port, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
The flagship AX7L also comes with soft touch synthetic leather on the upper dash and door trims. Really gives the car a bit of a larney feel.
The #XO has a three-cylinder 1.2L turbo petrol engine producing 85kW and 200Nm using a proper six-speed torque converter Aisin gearbox. It has a function called Smart Drive , which gives you 3 drive modes Zip, Zap and Zoom as well as steering modes. But I just left everything on standard which works really well.
Although Hindrance claims 6.5 L/ 100 km I got an average of 7.8 litres per 100km. Car magazine actually got average consumption figure of 7.0 L/100 km for the slightly longer time they drove the car. These all in general, mainly town driving.
The 3XO has ADAS Level 2 autonomous driving assistance from the AX5 Lux model up. See explanation at the bottom. It did prove a little intrusive at times but can be switched off via embedded menus. It will be very useful in poor visibility and busy traffic conditions.
For additional safety six airbags are included as standard across the range.
I really liked the blind-spot video feed when indicating to either side. You get a video feed of your blind spot in the instrument display in front of you. One gets used to it very quickly and adds a level of safety. Other safety equipment includes a 360 surround view camera system, ABS and ECS as well as electronic parking brake with auto hold.
The 3XO is the only turbocharged crossover in the sub-R300 000 segment.
The base model is the MX2 MT at R254 999, The MX3 MT is R274 99and the auto R20 000 more, the AX5 is R319 999 and auto R25 000 more. The AX5 L AT is R374 999. The top of the range AX7L AT is R404 999. I think the AX5 L hits the sweet spot. It has level 2 ADAS (Advanced driver assistance system), 360 degree surround view and an electronic parking brake with auto hold making it a much safer car. Little luxuries include a cooled glove box and auto dimming headlights.
Note: ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technologies can help drivers with tasks such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, staying within lanes, detecting blind spots, and avoiding collisions. Level 2 implies the car can take over steering and braking/accelerating, though the driver must remain alert and ready to take over at any moment. It is a suite of technologies.
The 3XO has a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and five year or 150 000 km mechanical warranty.
The direct competition will include the Honda Elevate, VW T-Cross, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mazda CX-3, Kia Sonet, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
